Dont Poke The Bear… finally!

“Finally” was Woodbine Mohawk Park harness racing announcer Ken Middleton’s call as Dont Poke The Bear (Betterthancheddar) – whom he bred, trains, and co-owns – won for the first time in 35 tries on Thursday (Dec. 22).

Middleton’s three-year-old gelding secured pocket positioning, provided by driver Jonathan Drury in a :28.1 first quarter. Two Faced (Sylvain Filion) towed him along through middle splits of :58.4 and 1:28.1 as longshot Gangbuster Hanover (Austin Sorrie) attacked first-over.

The leader put that challenger away as they swung into the stretch, and Dont Poke The Bear tipped out for the drive. He was out-paced by the three-wide Bettorholdontight (James MacDonald) but fought back as they entered the final eighth of a mile. Bettorholdontight then broke stride nearing the line, and Dont Poke The Bear, already pushing clear of Two Faced, completed the maiden-breaking win in 1:55.3.

Two Faced finished second. Serious Dragon (Doug McNair) mounted a comeback after an early break to get up for third.

DONT POKE THE BEAR REPLAY

Middleton remarked from the booth that the winning gelding “has a lot in common with Santa Claus – they both come once a year” – a quip he can get away with as the horse’s trainer, breeder, and co-owner. He shares the three-year-old with Sarnia residents Dave Walls and James Grant. Dont Poke The Bear was previously winless in 34 starts. He has earned $77,494 to date.

Woodbine Mohawk Park is scheduled to resume racing on Friday, Dec. 23, but the card is in jeopardy due to a winter storm set to hit Southern Ontario. A decision is expected by noon.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink