Close call for Bond in $381,000 Elegantimage

Bond (Southwind Frank) fended off a late attack from Righteous Resolve to win her third straight harness racing contest in the $381,000 Elegantimage on Saturday (Sep. 23) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Ake Svanstedt filed Bond in behind the fast-leaving Righteous Resolve heading into the first turn. She raced third to the half in :55.3 as Rose Run Yolanda (Yannick Gingras) took over on the backstretch, and Bond made her move as they neared the final turn.

Marching first-over, Bond gained on Rose Run Yolanda and drew level at three-quarters in 1:24. The latter surrendered at the top of the stretch, leaving it to Bond and Righteous Resolve to battle down the lane. Bond was on top by a length in mid-stretch, and she held on by a head over the surging opponent in 1:51.3.

Tactical Mounds (Scott Zeron) finished gamely off her second-over trip for third.

BOND REPLAY

Bond became racing’s newest millionaire with the win, increasing her total to $1,116,165. She is 13-for-18 for Svanstedt, who trains and co-owns the filly with Little E LLC of New York and L Berg Inc. of Delray Beach. Bond’s Saturday win was a new lifetime mark and her third straight victory.

“I think it had been too many races in the front, but she can race anywhere now,” said Svanstedt in his post-race interview. “She feels good, and she can leave fast. She’s nice to drive, nice to handle.”

For ongoing race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink