Woodbine Mohawk Park: Its My Show charges to Canadian Pacing Derby title

Its My Show loves the big stage, and, given a perfect steer by Scott Zeron, captured Saturday's C$540,000 Canadian Pacing Derby at Woodbine Mohawk Park, getting his nose up over favored Abuckabett Hanover in the final stride. The 4-year-old by Sweet Lou had captured Canada's premier sophomore event, the North America Cup, a year earlier at the same track and from the identical post position. The Linda Toscano-trained gelding scored in a 1:48 1/5 mile.

Zeron had Its My Show in high gear at the outset as he jetted out quickly from post two with El Rey and driver Louis-Philippe Roy off even faster to take control past the opening eighth. Abuckabett Hanover, Huntinthelastdolar and Voukefalas all left from the outside and tucked along the pylons before the first turn.

El Rey hit the quarter in 26 flat with Its My Show tracking him in second. Jordan Stratton moved Voukefalas a second time and drove hard to clear the front at the 53 4/5 half-mile pole. Once he cleared, favored Abuckabett Hanover took the race to him, going head-to-head with the pace-setter through three-quarters in 1:21 1/5. Abuckabett Hanover had towed along Oakwood Ardan, with Andy McCarthy giving that one an ideal trip.

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In the homestretch Dunn called on Abuckabett Hanover, and he instantly took control and appeared to be safe for most of the stretch. Zeron had to wait for clearance from third along the pylons, but he found a seam in mid-stretch. Once free, Its My Show responded to a drive to make up ground quickly and put his nose in front on the line. Abuckabett Hanover settled for second with Oakwood Ardan third. As a 7-1 shot, Its My Show was a winner for just the second time in 11 starts this year and returned $16.30 to win.

"He had a great start and an amazing finish," said Zeron. "I was sitting where I wanted to be."

Owned and bred by Richard and Joanne Young, Its My Show became only the second horse to capture both North America Cup and Canadian Pacing Derby, emulating the effort of Gallo Blue Chip in the process.

For Its My Show the victory came must 13 days after one of his worst starts in the Prix d'Ete.

"He's a great horse and great horses rebound," said Zeron.