Safe Conduct reaches Mohawk pinnacle

Safe Conduct (Archangel) proved himself a danger to the top harness racing trotters at Woodbine Mohawk Park as he took out the Preferred-Handicap for the first time on Monday (Dec. 2).

Chris Christoforou slotted the gelding into the pocket as the field raced to the first turn, trailing Fashion Frenzie (Louis-Philippe Roy) through :28 and :56.3 first-half panels. Amigo Volo popped out of third approaching the final turn, forcing Safe Conduct to leave the pylons and attack before three-quarters in 1:25.4.

Safe Conduct produced the most potent trot at the top of the stretch, overwhelming Fashion Frenzie at the eighth pole. Amigo Volo (James MacDonald) was too far back, and Safe Conduct motored home to a 1:53.2 victory.

Amigo Volo, two-and-a-half lengths back, snatched the place spot from Fashion Frenzie on the line.

SAFE CONDUCT REPLAY

Safe Conduct has worked his way up the class ladder this season after starting in the non-winners of $10,000 last five condition in July. The 2022 Ontario Sires Stakes champion made his Preferred debut in October and has not yet missed a cheque at the top level. Camilla Christoforou trains the gelding for Irvann Holdings of Toronto and Charalambos Christoforou of Campbellville. The five-year-old has earned $431,120 and won nine times in 42 career starts.

Racing will continue at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thurdsay, Dec. 5 at 7:10 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink