Double Shuffle comfortable winner in closing-day Harvest Gold Plate

Leading trainer Robertino Diodoro closed out the Northlands Park meet with a win in the $50,000 Harvest Gold Plate with Double Shuffle.

Showing more speed than usual with Vicky Baze aboard in the 1 1/16-mile race, Double Shuffle forced the early pace set by Ready Racer, took the lead after six furlongs and opened up a 2 1/2-length lead into the stretch, and then won 2 1/4 lengths. Footprint stalked the pace and held of No Walkin’ Jo who had a rough trip. The 3-1 favorite Cherokee’s Goal was never a factor while finishing last in the nine-horse field.
Double Shuffle was sent off as the second choice and paid $8.50. The final time was 1:45.20.

* Jockey Heribert Martinez’s injuries were worse than originally thought following a spill in the Canadian Juvenile. Martinez suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung in the accident.