Captaintreacherous colt too tough in $970,000 Metro

Captains Quarters (Captaintreacherous) fought all the way home to seize victory in the $970,000 Metro Pace, North America’s richest harness racing event for two-year-old pacers, on Saturday (Sep. 23) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Jody Jamieson pointed him for the four-hole as the field raced to the first turn, and the colt secured the position prior to the quarter in :27.1. He didn’t sit for long, as Jamieson spurred him into action with a quick brush to the front before completing the half in :55.1.

Even-money favourite Legendary Hanover (James MacDonald) gave him no room to breathe, moving up to pressure the new leader as they raced to three-quarters in 1:22.1. Legendary Hanover maintained the challenge into the stretch but proved unable to go forward, leaving Clever Cody (Sylvain Filion) locked in at the pylons. The leader began to tire in the final strides, allowing a final surge from Legendary Hanover, but Captains Quarters gutted it out to the line to seal the victory in 1:49.3.

Legendary Hanover finished a well-fought second, and Clever Cody completed the top three.

CAPTAINS QUARTERS REPLAY

The victory was the first in a stakes event for Captains Quarters, whose one win in his first four starts came in an overnight event. He charged for second in his elimination and was sent off at 5/2 in the final. Herbert Holland trains the colt, a $235,000 yearling purchase, for Rich Stiles of Chelsea. Captains Quarters has now earned $525,904.

“It’s pretty awesome [to be here],” said Holland after his first Metro Pace win. “I’ll probably sleep better tonight than if he didn’t hit the board.”

Jamieson, who won his second straight Metro Pace, heaped praise on the horse after the win.

“[Trainer Herb Holland] wanted me to teach the horse to race long before he ever got a chance to stretch his legs,” said Jamieson. “And last week, everyone saw him last week – he was in an impossible spot, wasn’t a great drive, and got to shake loose in :25.2… horses just don’t do that every day. He goes when you ask him; he’s an amazing horse.”

For ongoing race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink