With the streaking Sparky Mark sitting out in this week's edition of the $38,000 Preferred Pace at Woodbine Racetrack, the late-surging Peenie came through to pull off a 16-1 upset with 2011 O'Brien Award finalist Randy Waples in the sulky
.
There were no surprises early on as Major Hottie (Chris Christoforou) blasted off the gate from Post 6 and set up shop on the front end. The early speedster carved out fractions of :26.4, :55.4, and 1:23 while favourite Reibercrombie (Jody Jamieson) advanced first up with Secret Weapon (Scott Young), Peenie and Upfront Hoosierboy (Mario Baillargeon) following his cover.
The surprise developed in the final eighth of a mile though as Peenie rallied home in :27.3 to prevail. The Real Artist-Tre Cress gelding won by one and a half lengths in 1:51.3. Upfront Hoosierboy also closed well for second while Secret Weapon and Major Hottie finished third in a dead-heat.
Peeni paid $35.10 to win for the 37th time in his career. The black seven-year-old gelding, who is approaching the half-million dollar mark in earnings, is owned by trainer Colin Johnson of Le Gardeur, Que. and Ecurie JGV Enrg of Laval, Que.
The victory was part of a late Waples Daily Double, which paid $103.10. The reinsman scored with the Travis Umphrey-trained Stonebridge Terror, who paid $4.70 to win the finale. Waples completed the card with three victories having picked up one more earlier in the night aboard Brave Alex Semalu for trainer Ryan Maxwell.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.