Mohawk: Father Patrick impressive in Canadian Trotting Classic

The expected duel between stablemates Father Patrick and Hambletonian champion Trixton didn’t take place in the $682,000 Canadian Trotting Classic on Saturday night. As the gate opened Trixton made a miscue. The loss of his rival did little to stop Father Patrick from scoring an impressive 1:52 4/5 victory at Mohawk.

It was not your typical Father Patrick performance as driver Yannick Gingras elected to race the colt from off the pace this time as Damfoolrmillionair blasted from post seven right to the front in a spirited :26 4/5 opening quarter. Gingras allowed Father Patrick to settle and he raced behind the cover of a parked-out Il Sogno Dream. The half was a hot :55 2/5 and moving into the final turn Father Patrick was given his cue by Gingras and pounced on the leader. The son of Cantab Hall overpowered the leader in early stretch and was confidently handled to the wire finishing well ahead of E L Titan with Harper Blue Chip third.

The heavy betting favorite Father Patrick returned $2.70 to win.

“He went a huge trip,” said Gingras following the race. “Once I got past the leader it was never in doubt.”

Father Patrick won for the ninth time in 11 starts this season and went over $1.9 million in earnings during his brilliant career.

Trainer Takter captured the prestigious event for the third time. He appeared concerned about the immediate future for Trixton after the break.

“I didn’t like the way he was behind. This may be the end of him,” Takter said somberly.

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