Western Fair: State Treasurer launches improbable rally to win Molson

The Molson Pace at Western Fair on Friday night is the reason we watch the races. The most likely winner on the tote board was the least likely winner at the quarter pole, and yet at the wire he made it all work.

Sent off as the 7-5 favorite, State Treasurer made a break at the start yet somehow driver Chris Christoforou, Jr. avoided causing interfering to trailer Captive Audience just behind. As that action occurred, Dancin Yankee was gunning to the front along with Foiled Again to his outside. Foiled Again would eventually make the front passing the 26 1/5 opening quarter with Dancin Yankee in the pocket and State Treasurer sitting last along the pylons.

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Foiled Again took the field past the half in 54 4/5 and began to feel pressure from the first-over Bandolito well before the 1:23 three-quarter marker. The field was bunched up with Apprentice Hanover second-over, P H Supercam third-up and State Treasurer about to embark on a wide journey from last around the final turn.

It was obvious at the head of the lane that Foiled Again was in trouble when Apprentice Hanover came alongside. As that pair battled, from the clouds arrived State Treasurer to simply gobble them up despite the short stretch.

Apprentice Hanover finished second and Foiled Again third in the 1:51 4/5 mile.

“I had the best horse and I think he proved that tonight,” said Christoforou.

State Treasurer, who won the Molson for the second time, took home the winner’s share of the $150,000 pot for owners Sally and Paul Macdonald. Dr. Ian Moore trains the 5-year-old son of Real Desire.