Its Academic had the win wrapped up in Woodbine Mohawk Park's highest condition on Monday, Feb. 22, but gait issues wiped away the victory.
Harness racing driver Doug McNair crafted a perfect pocket trip for the four-year-old trotter, and the pair appeared to be clear in the last eighth of a mile. In the final few yards, however, the horse began pacing. He crossed the line first, but the judges found he violated the breaking rule and placed him last. Perfetto, who finished second for driver/trainer Dagfin Henriksen gained the win through disqualification.
P L Jill hit the front first for Mario Baillargeon from post five and set a 27.4 first quarter. Its Academic settled into the pocket spot from post four, and Perfetto sat sixth at that point. The order remained the same until Perfetto blinked first, moving to the outside past three-eighths. Meanwhile, Baillargeon gave the leader a breather with a 57.2 half.
Perfetto got properly into gear as the field hit the far turn, making it up to third before three-quarters in 1:26.3. This triggered Its Academic, the 7/5 favourite, to swing to the outside from second and make his move. P L Jill fought bravely, but Its Academic had slightly more after the pocket trip. The latter went by the former and it seemed like he would win comfortably, but he suddenly switched to the pace with meters remaining. Perfetto continued to gain all the way to the wire and fell short by about a neck in a very game effort. P L Jill crossed the line third, and Memo came from last to pick up fourth.
The officials decided that Its Academic did violate the breaking rule and disqualified him. Perfetto took his 17th lifetime win through promotion, and P L Jill and Memo were given second and third, respectively.
Perfetto surpasses $400,000 in earnings with this win. The six-year-old Majestic Son gelding is owned by Gerald Haggerty of Camden East.
For full race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale for Harnesslink