Dabarndawgswatchin, a six-year-old pacing mare, pulled off a surprise victory in the $36,000 Fillies and Mares Preferred at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, November 23. Facing some of Canada's top distaff competitors, she edged out formidable rivals in a thrilling finish.
Driven by Trevor Henry, Dabarndawgswatchin settled into the pocket as Prohibition Legal, a former O’Brien Award winner, set a brisk opening quarter of :26.1. Tells On A Roll, another top contender, assumed the lead on the backstretch, pacing through a half in :55.2. As the race progressed, Dabarndawgswatchin surged out of the three-hole on the final turn, taking the lead at three-quarters in 1:23.4. Despite a fierce late challenge from Silver Label and Prohibition Legal, she held on by a nose, clocking 1:51.1 for the win.
Trained by Dave Menary and owned by Julie Ferguson, this victory marked Dabarndawgswatchin's 10th Preferred-level win and 25th career triumph, bringing her lifetime earnings to $735,460.
On the same card, James MacDonald swept the Harvest Series Finals. He guided Stony Burke, a Julie Walker trainee, to a decisive win in the three-year-old male trot. Later, Brudon, trained by Carmen Auciello, achieved a series sweep in the sophomore pacing gelding division, rallying late to secure his first three wins of the season.
Racing action at Woodbine Mohawk Park continues on Monday, November 25, at 7:10 p.m. EST.