Andover America took home the lion’s share of the purse in the opening night feature at Woodbine Racetrack, and the photogenic gelding was forced to do it the tough way for Team Baillargeon.
Mario Baillargeon hustled the seven-year-old son of Andover Hall-Armbro Array in an early three-hole from his Post 9 starting spot while Bullet fired to the top and supplied the Preferred group with a :28-second opening panel. Bullet hit the half in :57.1, with race favourite Frenchfrysnvinegar sitting on his back heading towards the far turn.
Andover America commenced a first-over rally going into the last turn, and he prompted Bullet to the three-quarter marker in 1:26.2 before using a :27.3 closing quarter to inch away from him in the closing strides en route to the 1:54.1 win. The lapped-on Bullet held on bravely for second, with Prestidigitator taking home the show dough in the $38,000 tilt.
Ben Baillargeon trains the 44-time winner who improved this year’s record to 3-3-2 from 13 trips to the track. The $19,000 payday lifted his lifetime earnings to $653,041. The classy campaigner is owned by MC Trade Enterprises of Davie, FL.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Racetrack.