Willowdale to Mister Big

After just missing in the opening round and then capturing the second leg, Mister Big was sent off as the 4-5 post time favourite in the $56,300 final of the Willowdale Pacing Series Saturday evening at Woodbine and the son of Grinfromeartoear didn't disappoint.

With pilot Luc Ouellette at his lines for trainer Virgil Morgan Jr., Mister Big got away in fourth from post position four, made a first-over move just before the half-mile indicator and cleared to the lead in the third quarter of the dash. From there, Mr Big ($3.80, $2.60) wasn't seriously challenged by the rest of the 4 year olds in the field and came home with :28.3 final quarter speed to notch the 4 3/4-length victory in 1:53.2.

After a quick tussle leaving off the wings, Stormaway (driven by Mark Megens) wrestled the lead from Predator DVM (Rick Zeron) and clicked the opening quarter off in 27 seconds flat. Zeron then responded in the second quarter by brushing to the lead, prompting Mister Big and Ouellette to employ the same tactics.

Once he reached the engine in the third quarter, Mister Big tripped the three-quarter pole in 1:24.4 and came home at his leisure.

There was a driver's objection raised after the race, as Mark Megens asked the presiding ORC judges to review the tape from late in the final turn.

Megens and Stormaway were coming first-over in third, while Zeron and Predator DVM were in the pocket behind Mister Big. While making his move, Megens quickly jerked Stormaway out wider than usual as he attempted to pass by Predator DVM.

The objection was subsequently denied.

Staying the course in what was a decent performance, Alastor Hanover ($5.80) and driver Mario Baillargeon closed well late in the mile and finished second.

Predator DVM finished third, 5¼ lengths behind Mister Big, who is owned by Joseph Muscara of Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania.

The victory was the ninth of Mister Big's career, pushing his overall bankroll to $512,023. (WEG)

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