Despite drawing the challenging post 10, Amazing Catch (by Walner) surged forward and capitalised on a perfect pocket trip to pull off a stunning upset at 19-1 odds, winning the $713,000 Canadian Trotting Classic on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
At the start, Amazing Catch quickly moved from the outside to the pylons alongside Myretirementdream, hitting the first quarter in :27. Sir Pinocchio soon pulled out to challenge, expecting Highland Kismet—the 3-5 favourite—to sweep by on the outside. Sir Pinocchio took the lead on the backstretch, but Highland Kismet broke stride and fell out of contention, opening the door for others.
With Highland Kismet out, Security Protected launched from fifth and applied pressure on Sir Pinocchio through the final turn. Sir Pinocchio held the lead at three-quarters in 1:24 but drifted off the pylons in the stretch, creating a clear inside path for Amazing Catch. The colt sprinted through the gap and outpaced the fast-closing 21-1 shot Private Access to win by more than a length in a stakes record-equalling time of 1:51.4. Flying Kronos S, a 65-1 outsider, finished third, while Security Protected faded to fourth.
"He’s had two 10-hole draws in major races and delivered two great performances," said winning driver Dexter Dunn. "Tonight was different from the Hambletonian where we played it safe, but tonight he worked hard early, found cover, and really sprinted home. He just felt fantastic."
Trained by Ake Svanstedt, Amazing Catch has now won three races from 15 starts, with career earnings of $887,530 for owners Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz, and Sam Goldband.
"He’s been in all the big races," co-owner Marvin Katz noted. "In the Hambletonian, without interference, he could have won it. Tonight, he showed his class. Full credit to Ake and his team for their meticulous planning and preparation."
Amazing Catch, off at 19-1, paid $41.30 to win.