Zeus Lightning found himself in the role of the upsetter in Monday’s $34,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Racetrack, and he needed every inch of the racetrack to haul down the public’s top choice in the closing strides.
With Chris Christoforou at the lines, Zeus Lightning got away fifth from post two while O’Brien Award finalist Frenchfrysnvinegar blasted to the lead and threw down the first quarter in :28.1. Define The World, who was sent off as the 9-5 favourite in his quest for three straight scores, pulled the pocket in the backstretch and took over command without a tussle. He led the field to the mid-way point in :57.3 before coming under pressure going into the final turn.
Guiltywithanexcuse was first-over and driving on the leader, but he eventually rolled off stride around the final turn. Define The World trotted the third quarter in :27.4 and had the field chasing him to the three-quarter pole in 1:25.2. Zeus Lightning, who was sixth and parked at the three-quarter marker, tipped off cover and used a :29.1 final frame into a strong head wind to haul down Define The World in the final strides. The margin of victory was a head in a time of 1:55.4. Third prize in the seven-horse affair went to Watkins.
Steve Charlton trains the six-year-old son of Pegasus Spur-Graceful Action for Larocque Racing Stb Inc of Thornhill, ON. The victory was the first of the season in three tries for the gelding, who is a 16-time winner to date. The $17,000 payday boosted his career cash stash to $311,857.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Racetrack.