by Greg Gangle – WEG Media

Toronto, ON — After posting a pair of second-place efforts in the preliminary rounds of the Don Mills Trotting Series, P L Daley was guided to the winners circle in the rich C$75,000 final Monday evening at Woodbine by regular pilot, Chris Christoforou.

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P L Daley stopped the clock in 1:55.4 to win the C$75,000 Don Mills Trotting Series Final Monday at Woodbine.

Christoforou elected to use off-the-pace tactics in the early going as Charlie Is A Joker (Sylvain Filion) was the front-runner at the opening quarter in :28.1.

As the 4 and 5-year-old trotters headed towards the mid-way point, Run And Tell Pap (Luc Ouellette) angled out of the pocket and took over command, but the lead would not last as Jessesjo (Scott Zeron) became the new leader past the half in :58.

Dukester (Paul MacDonell) began the first-over attack around the final turn with P L Daley perfectly spotted, second-over as Jessesjo lead past three-quarters in 1:25.1.

Turning for home, Jessesjo was still in command by 1-3/4 lengths, but Christoforou showed P L Daley clear racetrack and was gaining with every stride. In deep stretch, Jessesjo began to tire as P L Daley took over the lead and held off a late challenge from Here Comes Numbers to stop the clock in 1:55.4. Here Comes Numbers finished second with Jessesjo staying for third.

“I thought my horse was as good as any other horse in the race,” Christoforou said following the win. “I thought he had to draw well, which he did, but I thought if he was close enough at the head of the lane without being first-over he would be tough.”

Christoforou also believes P L Daley’s best stride is coming from behind.

“He tends to get lost on the front,” Christoforou said. “He can race on the front if he has to, but I don’t think he’s at his best. Tonight’s trip really worked out well for him.”

P L Daley, a 5-year-old son of Kadabra-Broadway Gal, celebrated his sixth career victory and his largest payday as his career earnings climbed to $115,050 for trainer Jeffery Brooks and owner/breeder Prince Lee Acres. He now boasts a record of 2-3-0 from five starts in 2012. He paid $15.30 for the win.