Marshall Zhukov blitzes rivals on career debut

Two-year-old Marshall Zhukov (Shadow Play) executed a front-end offensive to a seven-length victory in his harness racing debut at Grand River Raceway on Friday (Jul. 8).

He left on level terms with Arthurs Shadow (Arthur Blue Chip, Paul Mackenzie) and Daylyn Ryeson (Sportswriter, Samuel Fillion) but pulled ahead with inside positioning on the first turn. Driver Mario Baillargeon controlled the speed to :29, 1:00.2, and 1:31.1 panels before unleashing the colt with Daylyn Ryeson flying up first-over from third on the backstretch.

Marshall Zhukov stopped that attack and kicked clear into the last turn. The freshman poured it on down the stretch and extended his margin to seven lengths in a 2:00.2 score.

High Voltage Deo (Sweet Lou, Travis Henry) charged from eighth to second after being set back by an early break, but was disqualified for causing interference while off stride. Daylyn Ryeson laboured home to finish third and was promoted to place. Trinity La Menace (All Bets Off, J. Bradley Harris) was gifted the show spot.

MARSHALL ZHUKOV REPLAY

Baillargeon trains Marshall Zhukov, a homebred for Fred MacDonald of Cornwall (P.E.I.). The colt is out of Camluck mare Saffron Seelster.

Grand River Raceway continues action on Monday, Jul. 11 with two-year-old colt trotters and filly pacers competing in their respective Prospect Series 2A legs. The first race will go off at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink