by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — Lindy’s Tru Grit and driver Paul MacDonell took advantage of a tiring front end to win the $25,500 Preferred Trot Monday night (March 14) at Woodbine Racetrack.

A field of seven trotters competed in the weekly featured event. Fearless Man and trainer/driver Rick Zeron were looking to rebound following a disappointing sixth-place finish in last week’s event.

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Lindy’s Tru Grit surpassed $500,000 in earnings with his 12th career victory.

Zeron pushed the gas pedal early and Fearless Man out sprinted Etruscan Hanover, the 3-2 favorite, to lead the field into the first turn. In order to grab the front, Fearless Man trotted a massive :25.4 opening quarter. The Zeron trainee, who was 5-2, went unchallenged in the second quarter and reached the midway point in :55.3. The final three in the field began to move up on the outside entering the final turn.

Lindy’s Tru Grit and MacDonell got away seventh and last, but entered the outer flow to sit third over and sixth around the final turn. After a three-quarter time of 1:24.4, Fearless Man looked to finish the job with several challengers ready to strike.

Lindy’s Tru Grit, who was 8-1, had plenty of trot and powered by his rivals to score a three-quarter length victory in 1:53.4. Hldontghttourdrms split horses to finish second, while Fearless Man had to settle for third.

A 6-year-old son of Cantab Hall, Lindy’s Tru Grit entered Monday’s contest off a fourth-place finish in the Feb. 29 Preferred. The Ben Wallace trainee has now won two of four starts since being purchased by Brad Grant in January. Lindy’s Tru Grit surpassed $500,000 in earnings with his 12th career victory. He paid $18.90 to win.

Live racing resumes Thursday at Woodbine Racetrack. Post time is 7:30 p.m.