by Jay Bergman, for the Breeders Crown

Toronto, ON — Freaky Feet Pete, a $62,500 supplemental entry, rallied from well back as the favorite to capture the $531,250 Breeders Crown 3-year-old male pacing event at Woodbine on Saturday night (Oct. 24).

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Freaky Feet Pete rallied in the lane for a 1:50 victory.

The Indiana-bred son of Rockin Image looked to be far out of contention on the final turn, but driver Trace Tetrick gave him his marching orders in the stretch and the colt sprinted to a 1:50 victory at the expense of Artspeak and Lost For Words.

Early speed was expected from the favorites in this event, but that was not the case as Lost For Words and Reverend Hanover from the outer tier of the starting gate engaged in an early battle as the favorites held their composure. Reverend Hanover had the lead in the :26 opening quarter, but Lost For Words and David Miller regained moving down the backstretch and controlled the issue through a :55 opening half.

Approaching the half In The Arsenal and Brian Sears moved for the second time and they were followed in order by Wakizashi Hanover, Freaky Feet Pete and Artspeak.

“I thought I was in a good spot following Tim and having Artspeak on my back,” said driver Trace Tetrick.

But the cover was not moving all that quickly on the turn as Miller and Lost For Words tried to put some separation on the field with a blistering :27.1 third quarter (1:22.1) in the middle of a steady downpour.

In the stretch, Lost For Words opened up a few lengths, but Freaky Feet Pete had already been sent wide and he was closing with wild abandon. Trained by Larry Rheinheimer for owners Mary Jo Rheinheimer and Marty Rheinheimer, Freaky Feet Pete kicked home the winner, with Artspeak coming solidly late for second and Lost For Words finishing third.

It was the first Breeders Crown win for Trace Tetrick.

“It’s very exciting,” he said. “I’ll remember this forever.”

Freaky Feet Pete won for the 13th time in 15 starts this year, making good on a rather large bet put down by his owners.

Tetrick was looking forward to another year for Freaky Feet Pete.

“I think they are going to stake him a little better next year,” said Tetrick referring to the 4-year-old season of Freaky Feet Pete.

Wakizashi Hanover finished fourth and Dealt A Winner completed the final check getters.

Trainer Larry Rheinheimer was asked as he watched the stretch, whether he thought his horse was going to get there.

“I didn’t know if he would or not. I knew there was lots of speed up front, which is what I was hoping for because I know he can get home pretty good.”

But it wasn’t a night for coming from behind.

“No, not at all. He was a long way back. I was thinking about the other races earlier and he was far back. I thought maybe he’d get second or third at that point.

“It’s been amazing. Every race he goes, it’s just been a different thing. He just amazes me every time he goes. He just wants to win.”