Rockin Amadeus raced to a big upset victory in the Breeders Crown on Saturday night at Woodbine, rallying to beat favored Captaintreacherous in the $591,240 2-Year-Old Colt Pace.
Rockin Amadeus, a 17-1 long shot driven by Yannick Gingras, finished the mile in 1 minute, 51.2 seconds.
Wake Up Peter, an 8-1 pick, was second ahead of Captaintreacherous, the 1-5 favorite who come into the race with eight victories in nine events this season.
The win was one of three on the night for Gingras on a track upgraded from sloppy to good prior to the start of racing after a rainy day. It also marked trainer Jim Takter's third trip to the winner's circle, boosting his Crown record to 15.
''I've always liked this horse,'' winning owner Suzie Grange said. ''He's had some bad luck, but I always thought he had it if he had a good drive. I've always thought he had a lot of heart, and he showed it tonight.''
Rockin Amadeus won for the third time in 10 races this season.
''Not to take anything away from Captaintreacherous because he's had a great season, but I knew my horse had this type of performance in him,'' Takter said. ''I kind of had a good feeling about this horse tonight.
''I've never won a 2-year old pacing Crown so I'm happy to get this win. This horse has been great all year, and I think he will be a contender next year as a 3-year old for sure.''
Rockin Amadeus returned $37 for a $2 win bet.
Tim Tetrick became the first driver to win four races in the Breeders Crown, breaking the mark by quiding Anndrovette to a second straight victory in the $326,660 Open Mare Pace with a time of 1:50.1.
''It's been an amazing ride; I just feel very fortunate,'' Tetrick said. ''She (Anndrovette) is tough as nails.''
Wheeling N Dealin, with driver Sylvain Filion, remained unbeaten after winning the $591,240 2-Year-Old Colt Trot. The even-money favorite took the victory in 1:56.0 for a ninth straight victory.
Tetrick drove Chapter Seven, who won last year's 3-Year-Old Colt Trot, to victory in the $600,000 Breeders Crown Trot in 1:52.3. Tetrick had the 3-5 favorite sitting second behind Commander Crowe at the top of the final turn before surging ahead for the victory.
The win was the fifth in sixth starts and seventh in nine races overall this season for Chapter Seven, who paid $3.50 to win.
Takter's other two victories came with American Jewel in the $500,000 3-Year-Old Filly Pace and To Dream On in the $600,000 2-Year-Old Filly Trot in a stakes record-tying time of 1:54.4.
Earlier, Gingras took Maven to the lead in the stretch and went on to win the $492,700 3-Year-Old Fillies Trot in 1:54.0. It was the seventh win in 14 races this season for Maven, who paid $9.80.
