Equinox Bi takes Maple Leaf Trot

While Donato Hanover was proving he’s the best 3-year-old trotter in the land by taking the Canadian Trotting Classic, Equinox Bi stated his claim as the best older trotter around with a gutsy win in the C$693,500 Maple Leaf Trot on Saturday at Mohawk Racetrack.

With Trevor Ritchie at the controls, Equinox Bi, trained by Jan Nordin, was hustled to the front after an opening quarter of :27.4, cut by Vivid Photo, then led his nine rivals the rest of the way.

The 6-year-old son of Valley Boss Bi took the field to the half in :56.1 and the three-quarters in 1:25 as the field turned for home. From there, Ritchie was able to muster all the energy that was needed, as Equinox Bi’s lead shrunk from two lengths to one-quarter length over Vivid Photo and driver Roger Hammer at the wire, reached in 1:53.4. The favored Corleone Kosmos closed from far back to finish third.

Two weeks ago, in his Canadian debut at Mohawk, Equinox Bi was awarded the Breeders Crown when Corleone Kosmos made a lapped-on break at the wire. In his previous start on August 4, he’d lost the Nat Ray at the Meadowlands to that rival, finishing three-quarter lengths behind.

“This horse raced a real super trip tonight,” Ritchie said. The driver celebrated his third win in the Maple Leaf; he steered Rotation in 2003 and Peaceful Way last year. “I was really impressed with the way he raced two weeks ago and finished real strong. I thought he was as good as any of them. It shows his true class because Vivid Photo is a great horse.

“It certainly helps (ease the disappointment),” Ritchie continued, referring to the previously unbeaten Val Taurus, who made a break at the start of the Canadian Trotting Classic earlier on the card, losing all chance to battle the undisputed leader in the sophomore division, Donato Hanover.

“He was perfect. I got up to the gate too quick and he just got a little bit too aggressive and made a break on me.”

Equinox Bi paid $7.70 to win as the 5-2 second choice. (WEG)

« Back