Taurasi remains unstoppable

Taurasi (Racing Hill) reached half a million in earnings as he extended his dominance over the top harness racing class at Woodbine Mohawk Park to eight straight victories on Saturday (Apr. 6).

After taking a seat fourth through the :27 first quarter, Doug McNair sent Taurasi out to brush to the front in the $36,000 Preferred Pace. The gelding did so passing the half in :55.1, taking over from Whichwaytothebeach (Sylvain Filion), who had just completed a frontward sweep of his own.

Taurasi brought the group of seven to three-quarters in 1:23.1 and hit the gas coming off the final turn to create two-and-three-quarter lengths of separation as he cruised home for the victory in 1:49.4.

Whichwaytothebeach (Bob McClure) was a clear second with Poseidon Seelster three further lengths back in third.

TAURASI REPLAY

Taurasi’s win pushed his career earnings past the half-million mark to $509,321. The gelding, a Grand Circuit competitor for much of 2023, arrived at Woodbine Mohawk Park in December and hasn’t lost in his past eight starts at the track. Richard Moreau trains the five-year-old, an 18-time winner in 37 lifetime appearances, for Brad Grant of Milton and Alagna Racing of Jackson.

Also on the card, Sweet Deisel (Sweet Lou) extended his winning streak in the claiming ranks to five. He grabbed the front approaching the midway point for Louis-Philippe Roy and extended the margin coming down the lane to win in 1:50.3, his fastest time of the season.

SWEET DEISEL REPLAY

The eight-year-old is unbeaten since Mar. 4 and has won all three starts since being claimed by Mario Villani of North York on Mar. 18. Brett Lester trains the gelding who is now 26-for-99 lifetime with $287,825 in career bankroll.

McNair was the day’s most successful driver with three wins.

Racing will resume at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday, Apr. 8 with a 10-race card headlined by a $36,000 Preferred Trot.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink