Mohawk: A measure of redemption for What The Hill in Canadian Trotting Classic

What The Hill, who was disqualified from winning the Hambletonian after causing inteference in stretch, worked out the same pocket trip that he did on the first Saturday in August at the Meadowlands, but this time there was no interference, no controversy, and no doubt about the winner as he pulled clear to take the C$684,000 Canadian Trotting Classic for sophomore colts on Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack. The time was 1:51 4/5, a new lifetime mark and a stakes record.

Long Tom (Tim Tetrick) would go to the lead from post seven, and he would not face a first-over challenge at any call as he posted fractions of 27 1/5, 55 4/5, and 1:23 3/5 with What The Hill (David Miller) tracking his every move from the two-hole. Elimination winner Bill's Man (Corey Callahan) was on the rim on the final bend after coming first-up from fifth at the half, but he had only advanced up to fourth and was almost four lengths behind Long Tom at three-quarters.

With Bill's Man unable to reach the top two, Miller had plenty of room to angle out with What The Hill at the top of the stretch, and he was neck-and-neck with Long Tom with an eighth of a mile to go. What The Hill forged his way by for good past that point, and kicked away sharply in the final strides to win by three lengths. Elimination winner Dover Dan (Brett Miller) just got up over Long Tom for second, with Bill's Man and International Moni (Scott Zeron) taking fourth and fifth, respectively.

"I was figuring I would be following Timmy there, and I was only hoping that somebody didn't try to move on him," offered David Miller. "The trip worked out great, and the horse that was first-up, Bill's Man, he didn't get to us, so I was able to sit in right to the head of the stretch, and my horse exploded."

When asked about What The Hill picking up the victory in Canada's version of the Hambletonian, Miller said with a laugh, "It helps ease the pain."

The victorious Muscle Hill colt is trained by Ron Burke and owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC., Our Horse Cents Stables, J And T Silva Stables LLC., and Deo Volente Farms LLC. He won for the eighth time in his racing career, and he has banked C$801,747. Sent off at 5-2, What The Hill returned $7.60 to win.