Thirteen days removed from his most recent victory, and up in class, Southwind Amazon was all class, re-writing the harness racing history books by earning career win number 138 at MGM Northfield Park on Tuesday (Nov. 5). The victory also sent the 14-year-old son of Camluck's earnings to over $1.5 million and pushed him past Niffit who had 137 wins.
Things were stacked against the warhorse and driver Justin Irvine from the word go, as after he earned his 137th victory two weeks ago, he was forced to face tougher company. He also didn't get the greatest of beginnings as he came away sixth, with Beach Forecast (John Ciocca Jr.) and Native's Filou (Kurt Sugg) both flying off the gate. The top three arrived the quarter in a blistering 26 seconds.
At the half in 55 3/5 the outer flow began to develop, and Southwind Amazon began his bid from third-over. Up the backstretch, Native's Filou kicked clear, but as the field arrived at three-quarters in 1:24 3/5, Win Not Lou (Billy Davis Jr.) flipped off cover three-wide and Southwind Amazon followed his cover and found another gear around the last turn.
When Southwind Amazon met Native's Filou, he went by like the gelding was standing still, drawing off to win his historic mile by 3 3/4 lengths in 1:54.
Southwind Amazon is owned by Ameer Najor and trained by Paul Holzman. 22-year-old Irvine earned one of the biggest victories of his career.
"He was racing before I even got my driving license, I can't believe that my name will be in the record books with such a great horse," said Irvine.
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Trainer Paul Holzman plans to race Southwind Amazon through the end of the year until he is forced into retirement on December 31.
"He has taken me to places I never thought I would be, and has raced against some of the greatest horses of all-time, I couldn't be more proud of him," said a jubilant Holzman. "He's like my son, I've rode on his coattails. It's been an absolute thrill and honor."
Dual carryovers Wednesday night at MGM Northfield Park
Election night (November 5) was rough for some in the Pick 5, resulting in a $3,135 carryover. The pool will roll over to the program on Wednesday night (Nov. 6th). The $1 wager beginning in race six will feature an estimated pool of $20,000, and as always, sports the player-friendly 14 percent takeout.
There will also be a 50-cent Pick 6 carryover of $3,561 beginning in race eight.
Post time for the 16-race program on Wednesday is 6 p.m. (EST).
MGM Northfield Park currently races four evenings a week in November on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
--press release (Northfield)--