by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, ON — With a sparkling off-the-pace rally, Hoopie and driver Jack Moiseyev captured Monday night’s (Feb. 11) C$63,600 final of the Don Mills Trotting Series for 4-year-olds at Woodbine Racetrack.

Stablemate Enny Youngman picked up the place spot, giving trainer Ben Baillargeon a one-two finish. It was the second winter series title for Baillargeon who captured last month’s Glorys Comet Final with Speed Bomb.

New Image Media photo

Hoopie rallied in the stretch to win the Don Mills Final.

In Monday’s contest, heavily favored Windsun Lane, who was going for a series sweep, employed his usual early speed and took the field past a first quarter of :27.4. He was unable to get a breather, however, as Snazzy Hot Rod was parked and pressured the pacesetter through a demanding :56.4 half on what was a frigid night in Toronto.

The top pair continued their battle heading into the final turn with Enny Youngman sitting inside third and Hoopie gearing up from way back in eighth position. As the field passed three-quarters in 1:26.2, Windsun Lane disposed of his first-over challenger and opened up a clear lead turning for home.

However, the hot early fractions caught up to Windsun Lane who tired in the late stages, allowing Hoopie to rally for the win. Enny Youngman came on between trotters late to pick up second while Windsun Lane managed to hold on for the show spot.

The victory was the first of the season in three starts for the gelded son of San Pellegrino-Crystal VW, who finished second in both preliminary legs of the series behind Windsun Lane. The lion’s share of the purse vaulted him over C$150,000 lifetime for owners Randy Ringer and Mark Christman of Pennsylvania.