18-1 shot shocks in Preferred nailbiter

Southwind Oncore (Muscle Hill) prevailed over two favourites in a three-horse photo for an 18-1 harness racing upset in the $36,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday (Jan. 29).

The gelding sat third for Travis Cullen as the field of six traveled in a line through the first three-quarters-of-a-mile with fractions of :28.1, :57.4, and 1:27. Oney Hall (James MacDonald) led into the stretch with Amigo Volo (Tyler Borth) and Southwind Oncore in tow with the remaining three out of touch.

The chasing pair chipped down the gap coming through the lane with Southwind Oncore three lengths back on the inside at the eighth pole. He kicked home fastest in deep-stretch, and the top three converged nearing the wire. Southwind Oncore put his nose in front at the line, snatching the victory by a whisker in 1:54.4.

Amigo Volo edged out Oney Hall for second.

SOUTHWIND ONCORE REPLAY

Southwind Oncore was making the first Preferred start of his career. He had been racing in mid-level conditions at Woodbine Mohawk Park since moving to Ontario for Jodie and Travis Cullen in September. The five-year-old is now nine-for-32 with $137,635 in earnings. Jodie Cullen trains the gelding.

Dontpokethedragon (Custard The Dragon, Borth) won his sixth consecutive race on the night, remaining undefeated on the year. The gelding battled off St Lats Beat It (Doug McNair) to win by three-quarters-of-a-length in 1:53.3. He’s perfect through four in 2024 for trainer Kyle Fellows and owners Patrick Dillon, Patti Hoskin, and Steve McGill. The seven-year-old has now won 39 of 127 outings and has a bankroll of $382,640.

DONTPOKETHEDRAGON REPLAY

Woodbine Mohawk Park is set to resume racing on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7:10 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink