by Jeff Renton, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — Tony Chiaravalle’s Running Book bounced back from a poor race in the Metro Pace final last week to trounce six other pacing juveniles in a C$107,385 division of the Champlain Stakes at Mohawk on Saturday night (September 9).

WEG Photo

Running Book was in victory lane after a 1:52.2 score on Saturday.

Steve Condren drove Running Book to the wire-to-wire, five and a quarter length win over Artriverderci for trainer Bill Elliott. Domation Hanover was third, beaten nine and three-quarter lengths.

The Real Desire colt covered the mile in 1:52.2, a career best, after setting the pace through fractions of :27.1, :56.2 and 1:26.

Running Book was a smart winner of a division in the second leg of the Dream Maker in July at Mohawk, but was not at his best in the rich Metro, a point confirmed by Condren.

“He wasn’t on his game in the Metro,” said Condren, “but things have a way of working themselves out. He had all he wanted at the wire tonight, but he sprinted home in :26.2. He’s shown he’s a player in the division, but he has a few little issues.”

Running Book paid $3.60, $2.40, $2.10 across the board and combined with Artriverderci ($3.30, $2.50) for a $9.90 exactor. Domitian Hanover ($3.00) wrapped up the $39.90 triactor.

Two Twentytwo strong late for Champlain win

Two Twentytwo was a going away winner of the second division of the Champlain Stakes for two-year-old pacers.

Roger Mayotte drove the Blissful Hall colt to the one and a quarter length victory for trainer Rheal Bourgeois and owner-breeder Dominic Colarusso, Jr. of Olean, New York. Pandora Sox was second and On Your Mach was third, beaten one and three-quarter lengths.

Two Twentytwo was sixth early through splits of :27.2 and :54.2. Into the stretch (1:25), the chestnut was barely in contention when Mayotte asked him for pace and he responded with a quick burst to blow past the field in 1:52.3.

“I had confidence in him. I told Rheal he won’t disgrace himself,” Mayotte said. “It set up nicely for him. He’s very versatile. He hasn’t tired at the wire with me yet.”

It was the New York-bred’s fourth career win.

Two Twentytwo returned $11.90, $4.60 and $3.80. Pandoras Sox ($3.60 $2.70) closed off the $44.10 exactor. On Your Mach paid $5.70 to show. The triactor paid $292.90.