by Greg Blanchard for WEG

Campbellville, ON — World champion Southwind Tempo turned in an amazing stretch rally to capture the C$375,100 Milton Stakes Final for older pacing mares on Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack, over a track that was rated as good.

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Southwind Tempo hauled down the leaders right at the finish in 1:52.

With Jody Jamieson at the controls, the 5-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight – Tsunami Hanover left moderately from post eight but was unable to find a spot along the pylons in the early going and watched as Hana Hanover blasted to the early lead.

The opening quarter rang up in :27.2 with Hana Hanover showing the way over Four Starzz Meliss and last week’s elimination winner To Helen Back. At that point, Southwind Tempo’s stablemate Tug River Princess, was parked out in fifth and not advancing, putting the backfield at a distinct disadvantage.

Hana Hanover continued to control the fractions through a first half in just :56.1. The first activity came as the field neared the third station when Four Starzz Meliss pulled the pocket and To Helen Back moved out on her back. Meanwhile, Southwind Tempo was still mired back in 10th and last position behind stalled cover.

Hana Hanover was clinging to the lead at the three-quarters in 1:24.1 and as the field turned for home, Four Starzz Meliss drifted extremely wide, leaving To Helen Back a clear shot at the pacesetter. It looked as though it would come down to these two at the end but Southwind Tempo exploded with a wide move from the back and was able to haul down the tempo setters right at the finish in 1:52.

To Helen Back got up in the last strides to nip Hana Hanover for the place spot. Despite the parked out trip, Tug River Princess held gamely for fourth. The winner returned $5.30.

“I can’t believe it,” said a happy winning trainer, Darren McCall afterwards. “At the quarter, I said to myself I’ll be happy if Princess (Tug River Princess) just gets a check and I didn’t think Tempo had a chance. This mare (Southwind Tempo) is just a freak of nature. She is as fast for a part of the mile as any horse I’ve ever seen. What a huge effort.”

The victory was the seventh this season and 33rd lifetime for Southwind for owners Jerry Silva of New York and the Let It Ride Stable of Florida.

Southwind Tempo now adds the Milton title to her resume in addition to the Betsy Ross, Classic Distaff Final, Lady Liberty and The Golden Girls Final, just this season alone.