by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Campbellville, ON — Won The West, with driver David Miller, powered his way to victory in the historic C$780,000 Canadian Pacing Derby on Saturday (Sept. 4) over a rain-soaked Mohawk oval.

New Image Media photo

Won The West passed the $3 million plateau in career earnings with his Canadian Pacing Derby win.

It was the 31st career win for the well-traveled 6-year-old gelded son of Western Hanover and with the C$390,000 first place prize, he pushed his career bankroll to over $3 million.

Won The West was sent postward the 3-1 third choice, behind the 6-5 favorite Shark Gesture, the defending champion, who took over from Big Time Ball just before an opening quarter in :27 seconds.

After the half was reached in :55.1, Shark Gesture held a two length advantage, but approaching the far turn, Hypnotic Blue Chip brushed up to challenge the leader, who suddenly made a break. Thus, Hypnotic Blue Chip inherited the lead turning for home, as the three-quarters was clocked in 1:23.1.

But Miller had Won The West flying on the inside in mid-stretch and the pair prevailed by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:51.2. Hypnotic Blue Chip hung on for second, while Bettor Sweet came on for third.

“I just left the gate. I wanted to make sure I was up close to the front,” said Miller. “I decided I’d take back and follow (driver) Jody (Jamieson, driving Hypnotic Blue Chip). The trip worked out great. I had live cover right to the stretch. And I was able to go left (towards the rail), which always helps this horse and he paced good right through the wire. He’s a good horse. He (Hypnotic Blue Chip) had a couple of lengths on me. But my horse, once he got straightened away, he took right off.”

Trained by Ron Burke, Won The West entered the Canadian Pacing Derby with four wins this year in 12 starts, including a victory in the U.S. Pacing Championship, August 7 at the Meadowlands. He had most recently finished second, then third, to Shark Gesture in the Haughton prep and final last month.

Won The West, who joined such pacing greats as Lis Mara, Art Major, Real Desire, Gallo Blue Chip and Western Ideal as Derby winners just this decade, paid $8.60, $4.40 and $3.60, combining with Hypnotic Blue Chip ($3.10, $3.10) for a $29.10 (4-2) exactor. A 4-2-7 (Bettor Sweet, $6.10 to show) triactor returned $215.40 while a $1 superfecta (4-2-7-10 with Lisagain) came back $1,265.90.