by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — Hypnotic Blue Chip and driver Jody Jamieson unleashed a ferocious late kick to capture the C$125,000 Spring Pacing Championship on Saturday (April 2) at Woodbine. The Kevin McDermott trainee was sent off as the 4-5 favorite as he scored the victory in 1:51 for owner Francis Azur.

Schoolkids (Pat Berry) aggressively took over command from post six ahead of Mr Saratoga (Keith Oliver) and Lisagain (John Campbell) at the quarter in :26.4. Heading towards the half, Mr Saratoga moved to the outside to strike the front but then allowed Lisgain to pass at the half in :54.4.

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Hypnotic Blue Chip was a 1:51 winner in the Spring Pacing Championship.

Alexie Mattosie (Paul MacDonell) began the first-over attack around the final turn with Ideal Race (Rick Zeron) tracking him. Hypnotic Blue Chip was positioned fourth-over as Lisagain went past three-quarters in 1:22.3.

As the field turned for home, Lisagain was able to put away Alexie Mattosie but the backfield was closing in. Zeron showed Ideal Race clear racetrack and he responded, as he and Lisagain were strides apart.

Hypnotic Blue Chip, who was still five lengths off the leader, was tipped off cover and he exploded late in the stretch with a:27.1 final quarter to score the victory in the final strides. Lisagain held on for second over Ideal Race.

“He raced just unbelievable tonight but I wasn’t too happy with Jody at the three-quarter pole,” McDermott laughed following the race. “We made a small equipment change and that seemed to help. I was worried about him after his defeat prior to tonight at The Meadowlands but he usually needs a few starts under his belt to get on his game. I’m thinking about leaving him here in Ontario to race at Woodbine and would love to take on St Elmo Hero.”

The 5-year-old son of Art Major captured his first victory in 2011 and 21st lifetime as his bankroll increased to C$1,455,938. He paid $3.70 to win.