Lifetime best for sophomore filly in $35,200 Niagara final

Mikki Sixx (Always B Miki) dominated the $35,200 Niagara Series harness racing final for three-year-old pacing fillies while clocking a new lifetime mark on Thursday (Dec. 26) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

After sliding back to fourth to the quarter in :27.4, James MacDonald hustled the filly to the front as the field came down the backstretch. She carved out :56.4 and 1:24.3 middle fractions and pulled clear down the lane, cruising home to a three-and-three-quarter-length victory in 1:52.1. Grit N Grace (Bob McClure) was second-best over Miss Dutton (Louis-Philippe Roy).

MIKKI SIXX REPLAY

Mikki Six is now eight-for-11 in her debut season. The Gregg McNair-trained filly has won three of her past four starts. She has earned $88,400 for owners Frank Brundle of East Garafraxa and Ryan Bender of Cookstown.

A Class Yankee (Always B Miki) won the twin stake final, the $33,800 Valedictory Series for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings. He ranged forward from post ten and slotted in sixth, tracking the cones through the quarter in :27 and half in :56.4.

Mike Whelan pulled him out onto the back of favourite Brudon (James MacDonald) at the midway point, and A Class Yankee traveled on cover around the turn. The gelding moved into second at the eighth pole and tracked down pacesetter Gandalf The Bay (Trevor Henry) to score by a half-length in 1:52.2. Gandalf The Bay was second. Lotto Max (Brett MacDonald) completed the ticket.

A CLASS YANKEE REPLAY

It was A Class Yankee’s third victory in 17 starts this season for trainer Walter Whelan. He reached six digits in career earnings with the win and improved his record to four-for-25 lifetime. The gelding has earned $101,076 for owner Christopher Nicol of Dundas.

Definingthe Moment (Control The Moment, Todd Ratchford) won the Niagara consolation.

Racing will continue at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:10 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink