Mohawk: Marion Marauder upsets in Goodtimes

Form was holding up rather well on Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack, until the C$268,000 Goodtimes final. The drivers were not about to roll over for 1-2 favorite Dayson, and the activity pushed him to the limit and ultimately over it as 8-1 shot Marion Marauder captured the event for sophomore colt trotters in 1:52 4/5, a career best.

The action was hot and heavy early as Marion Marauder got away substantially better than he had in the elimination, allowing Tony Soprano and driver John Campbell gain a tuck in front of him in fourth in the early stages. In the meantime, Dayson was being pushed hard at the outset as Will Take Charge, driven by Paul MacDonell, was interested in the lead and not willing to concede to the favorite. Dayson was parked well past the three-eighths and actually looked as if he didn’t fully cross over until the 56 3/5 opening half.

Hall of Famer Campbell and Tony Soprano moved with purpose at that point and locked horns with the favorite through a 1:25 three-quarter clocking. Driver Scott Zeron had Marion Marauder right behind in second-over position, and once into the stretch opportunity knocked as Dayson broke stride and left the course. That paved the way for the son of Muscle Hill to drive to the front. The rail opened for early pacesetter Will Take Charge, but Zeron kept his charge going, and Marion Marauder scored for the second time in three starts this year after winning just once in 13 tries as a 2-year-old. Will Take Charge was second, with Blenheim finishing third in the mile.

“I was happy to get him in the right spot,” said Zeron following the victory. “I got him within two lengths at the head of the stretch and he delivered."

Marion Marauder is owned by Jean Wellwood and Devin Keeling and trained by Mike Keeling.