Ninjinsky captures North America Cup

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CAMPBELLVILLE – As a two-year-old, Nijinsky was struggling to learn how to win. Safe to say he knows now.

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The Ontario-sired three-year-old son of Bettors Delight captured the $1 million North America Cup on Saturday, continuing a magical run that has seen him win five times in as many starts this season and establishing himself as the top three-year-old pacer in North America.

Driven by Louis-Philippe Roy, the Woodbine Mohawk Park regular who captured his first win in the track’s signature race, Nijinsky sat mid-pack early in the mile. He followed the outside flow into the turn and chased leader Captains Quarters. In the stretch, he put on a strong surge to get by the pacesetter and win as the 5-2 co-favorite in 1:48 1/5.

“I have to give credit to the horse,” Roy said. “He’ll respond to you at any time in the mile. He’s so easy to drive.”

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“Coming down the lane, I didn’t know how much he had but I liked my chances.”

Nijinsky’s 2023 season was not horrendous. But with just one victory in 10 starts, he certainly wasn’t considered among the early favourites for the Cup. Anthony Beaton knew he had the talent but just needed to grow up a bit.

“He was a very nice colt last year,” he said. “He was just a little immature but he was always showing those high speeds at the end of his miles.”

“This year, he’s just so much more mature and you can do anything you want with him. And he still has that high speed.”

The win skyrocketed Nijinsky’s earnings to $723,000.

Also on Saturday’s card, locally-bred Highland Kismet established himself as a serious contender for the Hambletonian later this year, dominating the $225,000 Goodtimes in 1:51 3/5. Bob McClure drove the Mark Etsell-trained three-year-old trotter to his fourth win in five starts.

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It’s A Love Thing took advantage of a great trip to capture the $425,000 Fan Hanover in a Canadian-record tying 1:48 2/5 at odds of 4-1. James Macdonald drove the David Menary-trained three-year-old pacing filly to her third win of the season.

As for the older mare pacers, Twin B Joe Fresh was much the best in the $305,000 Roses Are Red final. Driver Dexter Dunn took the four-year-old to the front just before the half and was clearly best from there. It was the third straight win for the Chris Ryder trainee.

1-5 favourite M Ms Dream was upset by 3-1 second choice Call Me Goo in the $233,000 Armbro Flight for older mare trotters. Tim Tetrick drove Call Me Goo to her fourth win this year for trainer Jason Skinner.

And 10-1 long shot Linedrive Hanover got up late to win the $100,000 Mohawk Gold Cup with Macdonald at the lines in 1:47 2/5.

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