Taurasi continued his impressive winning streak by clinching his sixth victory in the $36,000 Preferred Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park, wrapping up a successful Saturday night for Canada's top trainer, Richard Moreau.
Soaring Now, the favourite in the lineup aiming to end Taurasi's winning run, surged ahead from post six under the guidance of driver James MacDonald. Despite facing a challenge from Doug McNair with Taurasi from post four, Soaring Now managed to take control early on. Taurasi, however, pushed forward, taking the lead at the quarter pole in a swift :27.4 and maintaining the lead through the backstretch.
The pace remained unchallenged as Taurasi led the field to the half in :56.1, with the rest of the pack following in single-file formation. It wasn't until the final turn when Poseidon Seelster and Tyler Moore made a move from the third position at three-quarters in 1:24. Despite the pressure, Taurasi held his ground, crossing the finish line in 1:50.4, three-quarters of a length ahead of Soaring Now, who made a late push along the pylons. Poseidon Seelster finished third, 2-3/4 lengths behind.
Following a close third-place finish in his debut under Moreau's guidance last December, Taurasi has been unbeatable, securing six consecutive wins in the Preferred category. The five-year-old Racing Hill-Voluminous gelding, owned by Brad Grant and Alagna Racing, has emerged as the top money earner in Canada this year, amassing $72,000 in winnings. With a total of 16 career victories from 35 starts, Taurasi's earnings now stand at an impressive $473,321.
Starting as the even-money favourite, Taurasi paid $4.20 for the win and $2.10 for the place, with no-show betting available.
Doug McNair, who claimed four victories on the 11-race card, guided Hungry Man to a 1:52 win for Moreau and Grant. Seriously Hanover, another successful entry from the Moreau stable, secured his second consecutive win in 1:51.3, with MacDonald in the driver's seat.
With his 60th win in 2024, Moreau maintains a 20-win lead in the national trainer standings.