A perfect reunion

Scott Young extended an undefeated partnership with harness racing gelding Cool Muscle (Muscle Mass) that had been on hiatus for four-and-a-half years with a narrow victory at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Tuesday (Aug. 16).

Young requested early speed and found him a seat in fifth on the first turn in a :27.1 opening panel. The reinsman shifted him to the outside after the half-time of :56.3 went up, and Warrawee Whisper (James MacDonald) offered cover when he pulled first-over entering the last turn.

Cool Muscle swung off cover just past three-quarters in 1:25.3 and began to chase down leader Hp Royal Theo (Louis-Philippe Roy). The latter dug in down the stretch, but Cool Muscle closed relentlessly to stick his neck in front and take the score in 1:53.4.

Hp Royal Theo was second over the gaining Gold Edition (Phil Hudon).

COOL MUSCLE REPLAY

Young’s guidance contributed to the now-eight-year-old winning all of his first seven career starts in 2017; the reinsman had not driven him since. The reunion also moved the gelding over a quarter million dollars in career earnings to $253,007. Edward and Jessica Hayter own Cool Muscle, who has now won 20 of 67 lifetime starts. The latter Hayter took over his training when she began her career in mid-2020.

Woodbine Mohawk Park’s next race date on Thursday, Aug. 18 features five third-leg divisions of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings. The first split will kick off the card at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink