A new face popped up in the trotting ranks on the WEG circuit, and he had an immediate impact in the Tuesday evening feature at Mohawk Racetrack
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Kevin O’Reilly recently took over the training on Before He Cheats, who stormed for driver Trevor Ritchie en route to taking home the top prize in the $34,000 Preferred Trot.
Ritchie was in no hurry with the six-year-old son of Valley Victor, who slid into the five-hole while Merited Victory sprinted to the quarter pole in a :27-second clip for trainer/driver Rick Zeron. A break shortly after the quarter pole by pocket-sitting Sakic Seelster allowed Ritchie and Before He Cheats to move up one position in the six-horse affair, but he was still more than seven lengths away from the front-stepping Merited Victory at the mid-way point in :56.1.
Merited Victory hammered out the third fraction in 1:25.1 with Tacs Delight and Steve Condren poised to launch an attack from the pocket. Ritchie, in the meantime, was still six lengths away from the leader while sitting fourth. Merited Victory dug in, and Tacs Delight bore out badly causing Ritchie and Before He Cheats to alter their path in deep stretch.
A :27.2 final quarter from Before He Cheats was more than enough to prevail by a one-length margin over Merited Victory, who was second to the 1:53.4 winner. CR Muscle Power, who enjoyed a ground-saving trip throughout the mile, took home third prize for driver Randy Waples.
Former basketball star Sam Bowie of Lexington, KY owns the talented gelding, who is quickly closing in on $600,000 in career earnings. The trotter has put together a very impressive 29-8-1 record in just 46 lifetime starts.
To view Tuesday’s results, click here.