March 22, 2008

Mr Saratoga sat off the battling leaders and picked up all the pieces in the stretch to score a mild upset in Saturday's $71,500 Cam Fella Pacing Series Final at Woodbine Racetrack.

The Cam Fella was for three and four-year-olds that were non-winners of $100,000 lifetime as of October 31, 2007.

With Jody Jamieson at the controls, the four-year-old son of Million Dollar Cam - Miss Sara Toga sat well off the early speed and watched as Crazy Dan (Paul MacDonell), who was racing as part of the heavily favoured Ben Wallace-trained entry, put up the first fraction in :26.4.

At that point, Keystone Matt (Mario Baillargeon), the other part of the entry who was searching for a series sweep, was sent up from third to take over command just before the half in :55.3. His lead was short lived however as Dark Sign (Jack Moiseyev) brushed up quickly and seized the lead as the field raced to the far turn.

Keystone Matt was brought back out to challenge the pacesetter midway through the final turn and the top pair battled past three-quarters in 1:23.4. At that point, longshot Transcending (Randy Waples) had worked his way into a second-over position with Mr Saratoga following on his back.

When the field straightened up for home, Transcending kicked off cover and took over the lead but could not hold off Mr Saratoga, who powered past late for the 1:52 victory. Transcending held on for the place spot with Crazy Dan and Keystone Matt finishing third and fourth respectively.

The victory was a timely one for Mr Saratoga ($10.40), who had not visited the winner's circle in seven previous tries this season. With the win, the Marty Fine trainee increased his career earnings to just over $160,000 for Onlineharnessowner Com 7 of Uxbridge, Ontario.

To view Woodbine's results, click here.

(With files from WEG)