by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Milton, ON — Captaintreacherous, the two-time U.S. Pacer of the Year and winner of $3.1 million, sired his first pari-mutuel winner on Monday evening (June 25) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

New Image Media photo

Capitano Italiano sealed the deal with a final quarter of :27.1 for the 1:54.3 victory.

Capitano Italiano, a $77,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase, delivered as the public’s betting choice in 1:54.3 for owner Bruno Comegna, trainer Nicky Comegna and driver Chris Christoforou. The sixth foal from Pro Bono Best mare On The Catwalk, Capitano Italiano was bred by Riverview Breeding, Steve Stewart and The Bays Stable. He is a half-brother to past New York Sires Stakes champions Social Scene and It Was Fascination.

Capitano Italiano left from the rail and got away second in the early stages of Monday’s contest. Driver Christoforou circled the Comegna trainee to the front in the second quarter to lead by the half in :58.4 and three-quarters in 1:27.2. In the stretch, Capitano Italiano sealed the deal with a final quarter of :27.1 for the 1:54.3 victory.

Monday’s start was the first time Capitano Italiano was paired with driver Christoforou.

“Well-bred colt, very quick, very efficient, very professional and he raced great,” said Christoforou. “I picked up the program and saw I was driving him and was very happy about that.”

Capitano Italiano is eligible to Woodbine’s Grand Circuit events for rookie pacing colts, including the Metro Pace.

A superstar on the racetrack, Captaintreacherous is wasting little time making noise as a sire. As of June 25, a total of 18 Captaintreacherous 2-year-olds have taken a mark in a qualifier or race with seven of the 18 posting a mile of 1:55 or better. De Los Cielos Deo is currently the fastest son or daughter of Captaintreacherous. The Ron Burke trainee posted a 1:52.3 mile on June 18 at Gaitway Farm.