by Greg Gangle – WEG Media

Toronto, ON — In an action-packed C$60,000 Snowshoe Stakes final, it was Premier Intel and driver Rick Zeron scoring the 1:53.2 victory Friday at Woodbine Racetrack.

New Image Media photo

Premier Intel earned his second career victory and a new lifetime best in the Snowshoe Stakes final.

In the early going, Playing Solitaire (Mario Baillargeon) left aggressively to strike the front as the field headed around the first turn. The Platinum Guy (Mark MacDonald) was enjoying a pocket trip as Web Cam, who was still on the outside, had steering issues but then regained his form.

As the field went by the opening panel in :27.4, Web Cam was still left on the outside and The Platinum Guy evaded the pocket to the outside to push Web Cam three-wide. The Platinum Guy then struck the front and then allowed Web Cam to clear past the half in :56.1.

Immediately as Web Cam made the front, Playing Solitaire, who was now positioned third, was on the move again to take over command before the field went past three-quarters in 1:24.

Post time favorite Hamlin Hanover (Randy Waples) was using off-the-pace tactics around the final turn but made an uncharacteristic break in stride.

Playing Solitaire led his rivals into the stretch, but after being used twice in the mile, he began to tire as Premier Intel came from off the pace to get the jump on his rivals to secure the victory. The Best Toy (Chris Christoforou) also came from off the pace to finish second, ahead of Web Cam.

Premier Intel, a son of Cambest, earned his second career victory and a new lifetime best for trainer Jim Ainsworth for owner Premier And Associates.