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| Foiled Again (6) claims victory over stablemate Clear Vision (2) in the 2012 Molson Pace at Western Fair District (Iron Horse Photo) |
Aracache Hanover hit the half in :55.3 while John
Campbell, aboard Razzle Dazzle first up, slowly made his way forward and they
were eye to eye with the leader at the 1:23.1 three-quarters before Razzle
Dazzle took over control. However, Foiled Again was poised and ready to strike
from his second over spot for Yannick Gingras as the field rounded the final
turn.
Heading down the lane Foiled Again obtained the front and
managed to hold off a hard closing Clear Vision and Matt Kakaley to win in
1:51.3. Clear Vision was right there for second followed by Razzle Dazzle,
Atochia and Aracache Hanover picked up the final cheque.
“I got looped out
of the gate, so I wasn’t really happy with that. Doug got the jump on us, he
drove a good race,” reflected winning driver Gingras. “It worked out, John got
parked and I got a nice second over behind him. I know Razzle Dazzle is a good
horse too and he was going to take me where I needed to go so I was happy with
that but I would have rather been in Dougie’s spot than where I was.
“It’s easy for me, he’s a great, great horse and anyone
could do well with him. He’s a pleasure
to drive. He’s eight now so all those wins are even more special than they were
because I know the end is definitely closer than the start.
“He shows up every week and puts up a big effort. Like
tonight, parked every single step, not many horses can overcome that. He’s just
a great horse,” praised Gingras who has been in the bike for the majority of
Foiled Again’s races for trainer Ron Burke, including last year’s Molson Pace
final in an identical time of 1:51.3.
“This means a lot, especially because of the relationship
I have with the Burkes, they have been so great to me, it’s always a pleasure
to drive for them. Ronnie’s the easiest guy to drive for, you can’t get anyone
better than him. “
Assistant trainer Mickey Burke Jr. noted that the race
panned out exactly how he expected. “We knew that Aracache would go out there
and just blast, and had to do it from that position. The guys (the drivers
behind the three starters from the Burke barn in the final, Foiled Again, Clear
Vision and Atochia) talked about and said they were going to do what they had
to do.
“Fortunately Razzle Dazzle was able to give us great
cover to the head of the stretch. We can’t be more than happy with the
results,” he added given that his charges finished first, second and fourth.
“It’s his heart, every time he shows up at the track he’s
going to go forward and do whatever he can no matter what. He’s one of the best
ever,” he said of what makes Foiled Again such a special performer.
It was the second straight Molson Pace final victory and
fourth appearance in The Raceway’s signature event for Foiled Again, an
eight-year-old gelding by Dragon Again owned by Burke Racing Stable and Weaver
Bruscemi of Pennsylvania and JJK Stables of Florida.
One of the most consistent performers in the upper
echelons of the sport for several years, Foiled Again is one of the richest
pacers of all time. His effort tonight upped his bankroll to $3,805,856.
Gingras reflected the opinion of all who watched the
race: “This horse is just so, so special.”
Molson Pace Numbers
A great on track crowd on a perfect evening at The
Raceway at Western Fair District helped propel the wagering handle on track at
the London track from $126,000 last year to $139,368 this year.
The total handle on the track’s signature card, which saw
Foiled Again pace to his second straight Molson Pace victory, was $338,372,
down slightly from last year.
