Mohawk: Hemi Seelster pulls off Goodtimes shocker

The C$233,000 Goodtimes final for 3-year-old trotters on Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack was the perfect example of why there is no such thing as lock in racing. Hemi Seelster benefitted from breaks by the first and second choices to shock the crowd at 70-1.

Everything appeared to be going as planned for chalk players in the early stages. Iron left strong and broke, but 1-9 favorite Canepa Hanover was moving up after the 27-second opening quarter ready to assume command. But the Jimmy Takter trainee made a costly break and that left Rubber Duck in command.

Rubber Duck continued past the half in 57 3/5 and was quickly met by Covert Operative, who took control. The second of Takter’s trio came to call passing three quarters in 1:25 4/5. It was French Laundry who appeared home free for a brief moment, but down he went to a break as well. That left the race wide open and Hemi Seelster slipped off the cones with driver Stephen Byron to grab the spotlight.

The Bank, driven by Takter, was outkicked and settled for second in the 1:54 winning mile. Rubber Duck took home third.

“I was just hoping to get a good trip and stay close,” said Byron. “He’s a big, strong horse and he showed he can compete tonight.”

Ironically winning trainer John Bax trained Goodtimes and was on hand to present the trophy . . . to himself.

“I’m a little numb,” said Bax. “I always dreamed I’d be able to give the trophy to myself. It’s a bit of a shock.”

Hemi Seelster is owned by Parkhill Stud Farm, Matthew Bax, John Houston and Goin To The Show Stable. The victory was the first on the year for the son of Holiday Road-Hollywood Beauty.

Hemi Seelster returned a $155.10 win mutuel.

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