Running Book bounces back

Running Book and Two Twentytwo were both victorious in their rich Champlain Stakes divisions for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack, and both pacers earned lifetime marks in the process.

Running Book bounced back from a poor performance in last Saturday's Metro Pace final to trounce six other rivals in his $107,385 division. Steve Condren had the Bill Elliott-trainee on the lead every step of the mile through panels of :27.1, :56.2 and 1:26 before uncorking a :26.2 final frame in the 1:52.2 career-best decision. Artriverderci (Chris Christoforou) was second and Domitian Hanover (John Campbell) was third.

Running Book (Real Desire) took home a handsome paycheck for his winning effort, but that wasn't the case in last Saturday's Metro Pace final.

"He wasn't on his game in the Metro," said Condren, "But things have a way of working themselves out. He had all he wanted at the wire tonight, but he sprinted home in :26.2. He's shown he's a player in the division, but he has a few little issues."

The victory pushed the pacer's lifetime earnings to $95,914 for owner Tony Chiaravalle of Hamilton, ON.

Two Twentytwo (Blissfull Hall) was a going away winner for driver Roger Mayotte and trainer Rheal Bourgeois in the other division, which offered a purse of $107,385.

The homebred, who is owned by Dominic Colarusso Jr. of Olean, NY, rallied from far back to post a 1:52.3 victory over runner-up Pandoras Sox (Jack Moiseyev) and On Your Mach (Luc Ouellette).

"I had confidence in him," said Mayotte. "I told Rheal he won't disgrace himself. It set up nicely for him. He's very versatile and he's never been tired at the wire. He paced hard right to the finish tonight."

The victory improved Two Twentytwo's rookie record to 4-1-0 in eight starts and it boosted his lifetime stash of cash to $85,042. (WEG)

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