Woodbine Mohawk Park: Post ten no problem for Crystal Fashion in Canadian Trotting Classic

Crystal Fashion proved that post 10 is not an obstacle for all, overcoming the post in the early stages and then outgaming 3-5 favorite Met's Hall to capture the C$665,000 Canadian Trotting Classic at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday night. Tim Tetrick captured his second major stakes event on the program, this one for trainer Jim Campbell.

Crystal Fashion, a first-heat winner of the Hambletonian but fourth in the final, circled the field to gain control before the first turn, then allowed Met's Hall to take command past the 27 3/5 opening quarter. Met's Hall controlled the pace as an outer tier challenge failed to form.

Andy Miller had Met's Hall at the half in 56 2/5 and three-quarters in 1:25, but Tetrick pulled Crystal Fashion and went on the offensive. Those two were in a virtual match-race all the way down to the wire, with Crystal Fashion holding a short margin most of the way as both drivers went to work on their charges.

On the wire Crystal Fashion was able to edge clear in 1:52 1/5, with Met's Hall holding firmly in second. followed home by Fiftydallarbill, who was a determined third after racing parked out and mostly without cover for the duration. Lawmaker finished fourth with Missle Hill the final check-getter.

Sent off as the 5-2 second choice, Crystal Fashion won for the ninth time in 13 tries this season for owner Jules Siegel's Fashion Farms.

"He crossed over and got a dream trip," said Tetrick. "As long as he has a target he'll fight."

Jim Campbell said that Crystal Fashion will go the Lexington's Red Mile next for two weeks and then on to the Breeders Crown.

"It's been a tremendous, unbelievable season," said Campbell.