Pemberton back with big lifetime-best victory

2020 Ontario Sires Stakes champion Pemberton (Wheeling N Dealin), making his third start back this season, circled the field for a harness racing victory in lifetime-best time on Monday (Jun. 19) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The gelding took the trailing spot through the first half, which saw fractions of :26.4 and :56.3 amid a contested lead. Paul Walker moved him three-wide coming into the final turn and began his rally from seventh at three-quarters in 1:24.4. Pemberton took off entering the stretch and soared by all six horses ahead of him with enough room to spare for him to win going away by three-and-a-quarter lengths in 1:52.2. Esplosione (Jody Jamieson) also closed and got up for second. Walkonthemoon (Tyler Borth) held onto third after fighting for control throughout the race.

PEMBERTON REPLAY

Pemberton missed the entirety of his 2021 season with injury after a three-year-old year in which he dominated the Ontario Sires Stakes. He returned last year with limited success, winning one of 12 starts but producing some competitive outings at the top level at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The Monday win was his first of 2023, and he is now 10-for-25 with $419,059 in earnings. Walker trains the six-year-old for Brenda Walker of Owen Sound and Christine Walker of Tara.

James MacDonald had a strong day at the lines with four wins.

Woodbine Mohawk Park continues racing on Tuesday, Jun. 20, beginning at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink