Jones On Martiniontherocks

Horsemen usually have trouble sleeping before big races. Trainer Dustin Jones had his sleepless nights after watching two-year-old trotting filly Martiniontherocks score a 30-1 upset in the $600,000 Breeders Crown

final at Pocono Downs.

It was the biggest career victory for the 49-year-old native of Melbourne, Que., and it could not have been timelier.

"That really felt good," Jones said. "It's been such a struggle since Montreal closed down (in 2008). Mr. Godin (Serge, owner of Martiniontherocks) stayed with me when others bailed. He had confidence. I heard from people I hadn't heard from in years. It got me thinking about so many things. I didn't sleep well for a few nights after. I still think about it, still see her coming down the stretch."

His plan was to race the filly last week in the International Stallion Stakes at the Red Mile, but after winning the 'Crown,' Jones opted not to truck her to Kentucky.

Instead, she's due to finish her campaign with the November 6 Goldsmith Maid Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack (eliminations will be taking place this weekend).

"She came out of the race really good. I'm looking forward to the next one," Jones said.

Ron Pierce, who drove the Conway Hall filly in the Breeders Crown in place of regular pilot Sylvain Filion, will again be paired with her. "It's his drive to lose now," Jones said.

(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)