by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Milton, ON — Hambletonian champion Atlanta battled heavy rain and older rivals to finish second in Tuesday’s (Sept. 25) $26,180 Preferred at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

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Royal Witch delivered a top-notch effort in the rain to pull off a 12-1 upset victory in 1:56.1.

The 4-year-old trotting mare Royal Witch delivered a top-notch effort in the rain to pull off a 12-1 upset victory in 1:56.1 for driver Yannick Gingras and trainer Ben Baillargeon.

Dunbar Hall fronted the field of six into the backstretch after being parked through a :28.4 opening quarter, leading to the half in :58.4. Royal Witch came first-up from third for Gingras on the far turn and trotted around Dunbar Hall, who made a break in stride before the three-quarter pole. Atlanta and trainer/driver Rick Zeron got away fourth and stayed inside on the far turn to sit fifth and just over three lengths from the lead.

After reaching three-quarters in 1:27.2, Royal Witch was able to seal the deal with a :28.4 final quarter for her eighth win of the season. Atlanta and Zeron finished up well, making up ground in the lane and splitting late to edge B Yoyo for second. The margin of victory was 1-1/4 lengths.

A daughter of Kadabra, Royal Witch has now earned $84,325 in 17 starts this season and her 11th career victory pushes her to $172,072 in lifetime earnings for owners Tom and Elizabeth Rankin. Royal Witch’s first career Preferred victory saw her return $27.80 for a $2 win ticket.

Hambletonian champion Atlanta was making her first start since finishing third in the $261,800 Elegantimage on Sept. 15. The Zeron trained daughter of Chapter Seven is being pointed towards the Kentucky Filly Futurity on Oct. 7 at The Red Mile for her next start.

Atlanta, who has won six of 10 starts this season, increased her seasonal earnings to $765,778 with her 10th on the board finish of the season. Her career earnings currently sit at $889,189 for owners Zeron, Crawford Farms, Holland Racing Stable, Howard Taylor and Brad Grant.

Live racing resumes Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Post time is 7:10 p.m.