Woodbine Mohawk Park: Tall Dark Stranger still undefeated after Metro tally

Tall Dark Stranger was as convincing as a horse could be in capturing the C$750,000 Metro Pace for 2-year-old colts and geldings on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park. With Yannick Gingras in the bike, the strapping son of Bettor's Delight scored in 1:49 1/5, setting a stakes record and equaling the track mark in the process.

Gingras and Tall Dark Stranger left alertly from post four but were out-sprinted in the early stages by Esai Hanover before taking control in the 27 second flat opening panel. Capt Midnight, the 3-5 public choice with Andy McCarthy driving, didn't get involved early but made a prolonged bid to gain control, and Gingras took some of the sting from him, releasing the colt at the 54 1/5 first-half clocking.

On the far turn YS Mathis pulled first-up from fourth and was followed by third choice Papi Rob Hanover (David Miller), but Gingras wouldn't sit behind Capt Midnight and pulled the pocket as the field hit three-quarters in 1:22. Tall Dark Stranger effortlessly went past the favorite and instantly opened ground on the field for Gingras. Capt Midnight had no answer, and Papi Rob Hanover had a long way to come. David Miller did his best and Papi Rob Hanover closed in resolutely late, but Gingras shook the lines briefly and maintained a safe half-length margin across the wire.

Capt Midnight settled for third, with Seeyou At TheBeach next, and YS Mathis completing the top five finishers.

"The first time I sat behind him I absolutely loved him," said Gingras following the race. "He went by Capt Midnight without me asking."

Trainer Nancy Johansson claimed her first Metro victory, and Gingras also won the prestigious 2-year-old event for the very first time. Now undefeated in six starts this year, Tall Dark Stranger returned $5.40 with the victory.

"He looked strong the whole way," said Johansson, beaming in the winner's circle. "He still had the plugs in at the wire."

Marvin Katz, Howard Taylor, Crawford Farms, and Caviart Farms share ownership in Tall Dark Stranger.

"Jimmy Takter put this group together," said Katz following the victory. "He said he was the best colt in the sale."