John Dilinger Guns To Win

For the second week in a row the Spring Pacing Championship Series at Woodbine Racetrack was the scene of a double digit upset compliments of John Dilinger, who lit up the board at odds of 20-1.

In rein to teamster Mario Baillargeon, the 4-year-old son of D M Dilinger – Jens Beach Toy survived a grueling first-over trip to nail week one winner Secrets Nephew (Lyle MacArthur) in the final strides of what turned out to be a 1:51 thriller.

Tigerama (Luc Ouellette) blasted to the top in :25.3 from his post 10 starting spot, but he soon relinquished the engine to Secrets Nephew, who brushed to the lead as the field entered the backstretch.

Secrets Nephew clicked off a :55.2 half-mile clocking before coming under pressure from John Dilinger, who found himself in the first-over position for the second week in a row.

Those two, who went toe to toe all the way around the final turn, accelerated by the three-quarter station in 1:24.1 before taking off in a private stretch battle that was won by John Dilinger in a career-best clocking of 1:51. Secrets Nephew was a nose back in second and third went to Tigerama.

Paul Jackson of Bobcaygeon, Ontario, holds the papers on the pacer, who hangs his harness bag in the barn of Gaetan Hebert. Hebert has enjoyed great success with the D M Dilingers thanks in large part to the exploits of O'Brien Award winner Lady Dillinger (1:52 - $1,078,345).

The victory for John Dilinger improved his 2007 record to 2-2-2 in 12 starts. Overall, the pacer now boasts career earnings of $108,201.

The top ten point earners from the preliminary legs will have the chance to return to Woodbine Racetrack next Saturday evening for a spot on the gate in the $88,000 Spring Pacing Championship final. (Standardbred Canada/Trot Insider)

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