Major In Art makes the grade in Metro Pace with 1:51.2 score

Major In Art, expertly handled by Brian Sears, emerged from a tense four-horse battle in late stretch to capture the $1 million Metro Pace, the richest harness race in the world for two-year-olds, Saturday evening at Mohawk.

Sent postward the 5-2 second choice in an extremely well-matched group of juveniles, Major In Art, one of three elim winners last week, surprisingly blasted to the front at the start, reaching the first quarter in a lively :26.4.

But Sears relinquished the lead to the speedy Annieswesterncard, the 9-5 favourite with driver Yannick Gingras, who had won the fastest elim last Saturday, as they reached the half in :55.2, only to be challenged by Well Said and driver Ron Pierce in a duel around the far turn.

When the field straightened for home, Annieswesterncard had repulsed the bid from Well Said and still held a narrow margin as the three-quarters was timed in 1:22.4. But Sears had tipped Major In Art out for the stretch drive and in a thrilling battle to the wire, pulled away late from the pack, holding a closing Nebupanezzar, the other elim winner, safe by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.2. Annieswesterncard hung on for third, two lengths behind the winner.

It was the second Metro win for Sears, who steered longshot Rocknroll Hanover to an upset win in 2004, but the first for owner Major In Art Stable of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania and trainer Justin Lebo.

The ultra consistent Major In Art was notching his fifth win in six outings. The son of Art Major was the field’s leading money winner coming into the Metro, most of it generated by his three-quarter length win in the $350,000 Woodrow Wilson, August 1 at the Meadowlands, which he took in a career best 1:50.4.

“He did it on raw talent in the Wilson,” said Sears. “He did it on his manners tonight. I got the trip I needed. When I called on him, he was good. He was good in the hole, relaxed good, so I can’t take anything away from him. It was a very competitive field. They were doing some racing…and it worked out. He’s a big strong colt. He’s just learning every start.”

Last year, champion Somebeachsomewhere used the Metro as his coming out party. Saturday night, Major In Art joined a roster of Metro winners which also include Artsplace, Presidential Ball, Mach Three and Jeremes Jet in its 21 editions.

With the $500,000 first place prize, Major In Art pushed his bankroll to $726,400.

He paid $7.10 to win. (WEG)

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