Al Papi digs deep to win the 60th $420,500 Delvin Miller Adios Pace

Al Papi (Papi Rob Hanover) has produced a tough front running harness racing performance to win the $420,500 Adios Pace, holding off a late challenge to score in 1:48.1.

Driver Yannick Gingras wasted little time putting Al Papi into the action, taking him to the lead shortly after the start before controlling the race from the front.

Turning for home, Gingras was confident he had his rivals covered, but the closing stages proved much tighter than he expected.

Odds On Mr Mamba and Melillo emerged as serious threats late, but Al Papi dug deep to hold them at bay and secure a narrow victory.

“Around the final turn I thought I was going to win by 10, he felt so strong,” Gingras said.

“The plugs were still in and I was still just letting him rock.

“But he just got a little bumpy on me for a couple of strides and once he gathered himself up I just couldn’t get him going again.

“He kind of lost his focus, but thankfully we still came out on top.”

The victory added another Adios to Gingras’ outstanding driving record, but the significance of winning the race for trainer Ron Burke and the Burke Brigade made this edition particularly memorable.

“I have won the race a few times but never for the Burke Brigade,” Gingras said.

“I know this race means the world for the Burke Brigade and it’s nice to win for them.

“It’s my first for them and it’s probably the most special one.”

Melillo arrived late to run second and Odds On Mr Mamba stuck on well for third after working hard outside the leader for the majority of the race.

From 20 starts, Al Papi has won six races and placed another 11 times, amassing over $900K in earnings

AL PAPI REPLAY

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From Harnesslink Media