Parisian Blue Chip rallied from off the pace to steal the show from even-money favourite Need To Breathe in the $45,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred 2 Handicap Pace on Friday night (Feb. 24) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Four-time Friday night winner James MacDonald engineered the 8-1 upset aboard the Shawn Steacy trainee as Parisian Blue Chip tracked cover in the final turn, spotted third-over from midfield, and out-sprinted late leader Need To Breathe (Travis Cullen) in the stretch for the half-length victory in 1:52.1. Major League N (Ed Hensley) settled for third after leading through fractions of :27.3, :56.1 and 1:24 until deep stretch.
Moving up in class, Parisian Blue Chip picked up her second victory of the season from seven starts and returned $18.60 to win.
"She raced terrific," said MacDonald during a post-race interview. "She likes it when they roll along a little bit and she's got something to chase and then, if you can keep her close turning for home, she'll always give you a kick. She's never tired, it's just tough to get her all the way there sometimes.
"Unfortunately, she's not blessed with a tonne of gate speed," noted MacDonald. "Today, I didn't know if I could beat many off the gate, but I tried to get away as close as I could [from post seven]. A lot of people sometimes are scared of Major League because she can suck the life out of you if you try and leave into her, so I was lucky to get into a good spot and she did the rest."
The eight-year-old Bettors Delight-She Walks The Walk mare now boasts 28 career wins and earnings just shy of $550,000. She is owned by Stephen Klunowski of North York, Ont. and David McDonald of Cornwall, Ont.
While MacDonald led all drivers for wins on the 11-race card, Richard Moreau topped the trainers with three winners. The reigning driver and trainer of the year combined for a triple with Stews Watching ($5.80), Style For A Mile ($5.10) and Shanghai Seelster ($4.60).
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.