Losing streak ends with 27-1 upset

Blue Devil (Anders Bluestone) took his first harness racing win in 24 starts as he upset in the second Pop-Up Series division at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday (Aug. 19).

The gelding, who was 0-for-16 on the year, accepted a pocket spot under the guidance of Tyler Jones behind Cadillac Moon (Doug McNair). As three-hole-sitter Mystic (Tyler Borth) moved out going into the final turn, Blue Devil slid out behind him and followed cover into the stretch. Mystic forged to the lead but was beset by Blue Devil, who grinded him down and got up by a head to win in 1:55.3. Shes Beer League (Chris Christoforou) was third.

BLUE DEVIL REPLAY

Blue Devil came to Ontario for the first time in June for owners Jason Libby of Dorchester, Timothy Flynn of London, and Joyce Empey of Mossley. Libby trains the gelding, who was racing at Hoosier Park prior to shipping in. The five-year-old has won 18 times and has earned $222,417 from 97 career starts.

The other Pop-Up Series winners were Delcrest Brent (Il Sogno Dream, Steve Hudon, 1:56.3) and Macallan (Credit Winner, Scott Young, 1:56).

2023 Ontario Sires Stakes champion Ghostly Casper (Resolve) also won on the card. The stallion, who was stepping up in class, popped the pocket on the final turn and marched to a 1:54 victory. Benoit Baillargeon trains the Hambletonian finalist and co-owns him with Teresa Davidson, Santo Vena, and Nunzio Vena. The four-year-old is now nine-for-44 lifetime with $735,337 in earnings.

GHOSTLY CASPER REPLAY

Racing will continue at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7:10 p.m. EDT. The card will feature the fourth leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots for three-year-old trotting males.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink