Another victory for Marshall Zhukov

Prospect Series leader Marshall Zhukov (Shadow Play) added a fifth victory to his rookie tally and improved his mark in a conditioned harness racing contest on closing day at Georgian Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 30).

The freshman charged four-wide into the first turn but soon completed his front-end mission for driver Mario Baillargeon to lead to the quarter in :28.2. Sporty Bee (Travis Henry) popped the pocket passing the stands and took control before finishing the first half in :58.

As the leader hit three-quarters in 1:27.1, Marshall Zhukov slingshotted from two lengths back and went to work into the final turn. The colt drew clear in mid-stretch and completed the mile in 1:56.4.

He was a length clear of Sporty Bee at the line. Other Peoples Beer (Jay Harris) passed three foes in the stretch to finish third.

MARSHALL ZHUKOV REPLAY

Marshall Zhukov has the second-most points of any Prospect Series horse this season and is well ahead among his two-year-old pacing colt rivals. He has won five of his six starts, with one place finish breaking the perfect record. Baillargeon trains the colt, a homebred of Fred MacDonald of Cornwall.

Also on the card, journeyman Print Media (Vintage Master) reached 25 wins and $350,000 in earnings as he won the fifth race. Colin Kelly drove the Joseph Squires trainee to victory in 1:54.4. The nine-year-old gelding has made 234 starts and has been a mainstay in the Ontario mid-level conditioned ranks.

Racing is now finished at Georgian Downs this season.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink