North America Cup champion Nijinsky remained undefeated on Canadian soil this season, clocking an impressive 1:48.4 to secure victory over stablemate and 1-5 favourite Legendary Hanover in one of two Simcoe Stakes divisions for three-year-old pacers on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Driven by Louis-Philippe Roy in the $167,000 open division, Nijinsky surged from the gate alongside Calicojack Hanover (Tyler Jones) before settling into third position. As Calicojack Hanover led through a swift opening quarter in :27, Roy patiently held Nijinsky back until a :54.2 half-mile marker. At this point, Nijinsky made his move, seizing the lead briefly before yielding to Legendary Hanover (James MacDonald) approaching the final turn.
Despite Legendary Hanover taking control at the three-quarters mark in 1:21.2, Nijinsky mounted a determined late rally, overtaking his rival in the stretch to secure a 1-1/2-length victory. Cupid Shuffle (Sylvain Filion) finished third, while Calicojack Hanover took fourth.
"I couldn’t have asked for a better trip," Roy said post-race. "Nijinsky has a huge heart, and that made the difference tonight. He doesn't want to lose – give him a target, and he’ll give more than 100%."
Trained by Anthony Beaton, Nijinsky, a Bettors Delight colt out of Pirouette Hanover, has now won 10 of his 20 career starts and amassed $1,197,582. Beaton hinted that Nijinsky's next start could be the prestigious Little Brown Jug in Delaware, Ohio, on Sept. 19.
Nijinsky returned $7.70 as the second betting choice.
Meanwhile, in the $152,000 Simcoe Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies, an assertive backstretch move by Doug McNair propelled Pass Line to victory in a time of 1:51.2. McNair's tactical decision to surge past the dawdling pace set by even-money favourite Odds On Platinum (Sylvain Filion) paid off, as Pass Line held firm through the stretch to win by a length.
"There wasn’t much speed early, so I made up my mind to rush her," McNair said. "She stayed strong, and we got lucky."
Pass Line, trained by Dave Menary and owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino, and Rich Lombardo Racing, secured her second win of the season and has earned $929,696 across her career. The filly may now be pointed toward the Jugette, according to Menary.