Favourites deliver in Goodtimes elims

MILTON, June 10, 2022 – Sophomore harness racing trotters took the spotlight on Friday evening (Jun. 10) at Woodbine Mohawk Park for the eliminations of the Goodtimes.

A pair of $30,000 eliminations were contested to determine the field for next Saturday’s (June 18) $251,000 final.

Fast As The Wind (Cantab Hall) took care of business as the heavy-favourite in the first elimination. Driver Dexter Dunn moved the Tony Alagna trainee to the top from third entering the backstretch and never looked back, posting fractions of :56.4 and 1:25.3 en route to a 1:53.2 score.

“He’s really fast and he was still travelling really good coming off the turn,” said Dunn. “I was confident he was going to kick away there and he did.

“He finished last year off so strongly and he’s come back better this year and his qualifiers and his races have been super, his last quarters have been really strong, so gives you lots of confidence.”

Runner-up Southwind Domino finished three lengths back of the winner. The final three horses advancing were Pretender, Archery Seelster and Duly Resolved. ​

FAST AS THE WIND REPLAY

Fast As The Wind had finished second and third in his previous two outings this season, both against older foes. The Alagna trainee had a busy rookie season, winning five of 15 starts, including a major victory in the Valley Victory.

Fast As The Wind has now earned $587,727 for owners LeBlanc and Kribbs, Joe Sbrocco and Joe Barbera. The popular winner paid $2.80 to win.

Ontario sired star Twin B Archie (Archangel) converted off a perfect two-hole trip to win the second elimination. James MacDonald guided the Scott McEneny trainee to a career-best 1:53.1 score.

Looks Like Moni did the road work, cutting out fractions of :28, :56.4 and 1:25.2, while Twin B Archie sat right behind in the pocket. Turning for home, Twin B Archie angled out and would muscle by to win by a head. World At War Deo came into the mix late to finish third.

A three-way photo for fourth saw Testing Testing and Gigondas secure the final two spots in next week’s final.

TWIN B ARCHIE REPLAY

Twin B Archie improved to three for four this season, now sporting a Grand Circuit victory to go with his triumph in the SBOA Stakes. The OSS Super Final winner has seven wins and $398,866 in career earnings for owners McEneny, Domenic Chiaravalle, Floyd Marshall and Marwest Racing Stable.

“He fought right to the wire,” said McEneny of Twin B Archie’s effort Friday. “He can go with these guys and hopefully get a good trip next week and have a shot at it.”

Twin B Archie paid $6.40 to win.

The post-position draw for next week’s final took place immediately following the eliminations. The connections of Fast As The Wind and Twin B Archie were able to select their post for the final by virtue of their victory Friday.

The field for the $251,000 Goodtimes Final is listed below:

1 – Archery Seelster by Wheelin N Dealin
​2 – Duly Resolved by Resolve
​3 – Gigondas by Trixton
​4 – Fast As The Wind by Cantab Hall
​5 – Twin B Archie by Archangel
​6 – Southwind Domino by Walner
​7 – Pretender by Muscle Hill
​8 – Looks Like Moni by Muscle Hill
​9 – World At War Deo by Chapter Seven
​10 – Testing Testing by Walner
​AE – Safe Conduct by Archangel

The post-position draw for the Armbro Flight Stakes also took place on Friday evening. The $211,000 event for older trotting mare did not require eliminations. The final will also take place on Saturday, June 18, as part of the Pepsi North America Cup card. ​

$211,000 Armbro Flight

1 – When Dovescry by Muscle Hill
​2 – Next Level Stuff by Sebastian K S
​3 – Bella Bellini by Bar Hopping
​4 – Amazone Duharas by Muscle Hill
​5 – Weslynn Quest by Manofmanymissions
​6 – HP Mama B by Royalty For Life
​7 – Atlanta by Chapter Seven
​8 – Royalty Deal by Royalty For Life
​9 – Herculisa by My MVP
​10 – Hey Livvy by Donato Hanover

For complete race results, click here.

by Mark McKelvie, for Woodbine Entertainment