CAMPBELLVILLE, June 18 – Always B Miki became the fastest horse in Canadian harness racing history with a 1:47.1 winning mile in the Mohawk Gold Cup Saturday night.
The $100,000 Invitational event for pacers was one of the highlights of the Pepsi North America Cup undercard.
Always B Miki, the 1-5 favourite, got away sixth for driver David Miller. Nirvana Seelster was blasted to the front and posted hot fractions of :25.2 and :53.2.
Nirvana Seelster continued to roll around the final turn posting a three-quarter time of 1:20.2, while Always B Miki got into the outer flow and was spotted fifth and less than four-lengths from the front at the three-quarter pole.
In the stretch, Always B Miki rocketed by his opponents to grab the lead with powerful strides at the eighth pole. The Jimmy Takter trainee cruised home impressively in :26.1 to win by 3½ lengths in 1:47.1.
The clocking of 1:47.1 is the fastest mile in Canadian harness racing, breaking the former mark of 1:47.2.
A five-year-old son of Always A Virgin, Always B Miki is owned by Bluewood Stable, Roll The Dice Stable and Christina Takter.
The Takter trainee now has three wins in five starts this season after going undefeated in four starts last season. Always B Miki has an impressive career earnings total of over $1.3 million.
The mile of 1:47.1 is a Track, Canadian and Stakes Record. It also lowers Always B Miki's previous career mark by three-fifths of a second.
Shamballa finished second, while Evenin Of Pleasure for third. Always B Miki paid $2.50 to win.
Mark McKelvie