by Greg Gangle, WEG media
Campbellville, ON — Last year, Mystician overcame a tough post and tough competition to upset in the Metro Pace. On Saturday at Mohawk, owner Mac Nichol will look for back-to-back scores in the C$1 million event, this time with Speed Again.
Saddled with post 10 and sloppy track conditiones, Mystician, dismissed at odds of nearly 30-1, appeared to have his work cut out for him in the 2010 edition of the Metro. The freshman pacer, however, was on his game from the outset, blasting off the gate to shock his nine rivals, paying $61.10 to win in the process.
Now, one year later, the same connections are looking for a repeat when Speed Again takes his place at the gate.
New Image Media photo
Speed Again was a head winner over State Treasurer in last week’s Metro eliminations.
The son of Dragon Again-Sand Speed captured his $40,400 Metro elimination last week and is a top threat for this year’s C$500,000 prize. He is well represented by Canada’s leading driver Jody Jamieson and top WEG trainer Jeff Gillis, who co-owns with Nichol, Gerald Stay and Ken Henwood.
“It’s a great thrill to be back again,” Nichol said. “Last year, we had a longshot that got the job done from the 10 hole, but this year is a different story. We have a big shot with the same connections. It’s just unbelievable.”
Nichol is no stranger to finding himself in the winner’s circle in big races. The Burlington, Ontario, resident was on-hand when Tell All captured the C$1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk and for American Ideal’s triumph in the C$459,000 Confederation Cup at Flamboro.
“This is what racing is all about; being a part of the richest events and being a part of this great side,” he offered. “It’s just surreal to be in it and if we win, it will be a double-high.”
Nichol admits that Speed Again, an $82,000 yearling purchase, wasn’t a top-level 2-year-old when training down over the winter months. The four-time winner didn’t impress Nichol until after he learned his early lessons at the racetrack.
“He was just an average horse throughout the winter. He wasn’t in Jeff’s top group of 2-year-olds, but he wasn’t the worst either,” Nichol said. “I began to take notice and realize that he might be able to go with the big boys after his Dream Maker elimination victory (1:52.2).”
Though he’ll square off against the best rookie pacers in North America on Saturday, Nichol remains optimistic, especially when it comes to his high-profile driver and trainer duo.
“Jeff has done such a terrific job with this horse. He’s a true horseman and if there is potential in a horse, he has a way of finding it. Also, what can you say about Jody? He’s the top driver in Canada. I’m fortunate to have both Jody and Jeff in my corner.”
Even with $115,025 in seasonal earnings and a respectable lifetime best of 1:50.3, Nichol admits Speed Again’s pursuit of Metro Pace glory won’t come easy.
“I think the race is wide-open,” he admits. “Even a longshot can win it, like us last year, but I hope not,” he laughed.
You can’t blame Nichol for hoping this year’s Metro Pace proves to be twice as nice for everyone involved.