by Jeff Renton, media/communications, the Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, ON — Having driven Lifetime Dream to Breeders Crown glory in 1993, it only seemed proper that reinsman Paul MacDonell wrapped up the series named in her honour Monday night at Woodbine.

Woodbine Entertainment Photo

Zorgwijk Delighted was a winner in the Lifetime Dream Final on Monday.

Aboard Zorgwijk Stables and Gary Stead’s four-year-old mare Zorgwijk Delighted, MacDonell got into striking position and didn’t disappoint, steering the daughter of Wesgate Crown–Formal Pleasure to a two and three-quarter length score in 1:58¹.

In the preliminary legs, Zorgwijk Delighted proved to be a fighter in the lane. After finishing third, one half length in arrears during her hard-closing opening round, she again displayed her tenacity a week later.

Battling Malabama in an exciting stretch finish, Zorgwijk Delighted prevailed for a one length score in the second leg.

So with Malabama leading the charge into the lane, and Zorgwijk Delighted occupying the second-over slot in Monday night’s C$55,800 finale, it was to no surprise that the bay trained by Stead rocketed home impressively.

“Paul (MacDonell) has done a great job with her,” said Stead, who was visibly elated outside the paddock when all was said and done. “This mare could have been turned around the other way; she could have stopped. If somebody else was driving her over a period of time and (had) gone to the front too many times with her, this mare wouldn’t be the mare she is right now. I give all of the credit to Paul, he has done a terrific job with her.”

When asked by Woodbine Entertainment’s Ken Middleton to pick possibly her best trait, MacDonell complimented the mare’s will to win.

“She’s somewhat like Lifetime Dream was–she just likes to win,” said MacDonell. “She likes to poke her nose ahead of them (her competitors) late in the race. That is as good a quality as you can get.”

In a race that saw a good share of flow, MacDonell and Zorgwijk Delighted left from post six and got away in seventh, nine lengths behind Lookoutmom and driver Luc Ouellette, who flashed a :29 second opening quarter-mile.

Oh Emma and driver Robert McClure made the lead just after that opening panel, but quickly gave it up to Malabama and driver Mario Baillargeon, who led the charge to the :58⁴ half-mile pole.

Sitting six and three-quarter lengths back in seventh, MacDonell picked up some cover and got Zorgwijk Delighted to the outer tier. Malabama rang the third station up in 1:28⁴ and was four lengths in front of Zorgwijk Delighted as she was at the head of the stretch.

Perfectly placed by MacDonell, Zorgwijk Delighted exploded home, drawing away with ease.

“Some of these horses are just late-comers and she is one of them,” said MacDonell. “She just seemed to get better and better all fall long. When this stake came along she just fit it to a tee.”

Returning $7.40 on a winning ticket, Zorgwijk Delighted hooked up with Malabama for a $36.30 exactor. Honolulu, who finished three and a half lengths back in third, rounded out the $304.80 triactor.

Stead also added that Zorgwijk Delighted would be getting a well-deserved two month hiatus from the track and that he would see how she comes back in the spring before making future plans.

NOTE: With last Thursday’s card of racing being cancelled due to extremely cold weather conditions, the second leg of the Miss Vera Bars Series for three-year-old pacing fillies will highlight this Thursday’s card of racing. The C$42,000 (estimated) final was set to take place this week, but will now take place on January 29.