FAST AS THE WIND BREEZES TO GOODTIMES SCORE
Woodbine Communications, Chris Lomon
New Image Media Photo
MILTON, June 18, 2022 – Fast As The Wind, with Dexter Dunn in the race bike, flew home to win the $251,000 Goodtimes Stakes on Saturday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Sent on his way as the 2-5 choice in the Goodtimes, Fast As The Wind arrived at his latest test off a stellar three-length win one week earlier in his elimination engagement.
On this night, he was even more impressive.
It was Looks Like Moni who assumed early command, crossing over from post eight to strike front into the first turn, with Southwind Domino and Pretender settling into second and third, respectively, as Dunn settled Fast As The Wind in fourth.
Looks Like Moni called the shots through a brisk opening quarter in :27.2, and was still on top through as :55.1, as Dunn held a patient hand, sitting fourth, but well within striking distance of the pacesetter.
After three quarters reached in 1:23.1, Looks Like Moni, with Andrew McCarthy in the sulky, broke stride around the turn for home, opening the door for the trio of hard-closing Twin B Archie, a game Pretender and surging Fast As The Wind to battle for top prize.
Living up to his name, Fast As The Wind reeled in his rivals in deep stretch, carving out a final quarter of :28.2 to cross the wire a 1 ¾-length winner in a lifetime best 1:52.2. Twin B Archie was second, Pretender finished third and Testing Testing rallied to secure fourth.
“He was running in a touch coming off that last turn and I had to nurse him there,” said Dunn. “Once Andy’s one made a break, it got us a little closer to the front there, and he laid down like he has been this year. He’s definitely going in the right direction. He’s doing everything right and hasn’t put in a foot wrong so far. He’s finishing his races off really strongly.”
Trained by Tony Alagna for the ownership group of Leblanc and Kribbs, Joe Sbrocco, and Joseph Barbera, the son of Cantab Hall-Wind Stroll now has two wins, one second and a third form four starts on the season. Overall, the bay colt is 7-2-4 from 18 starts.
The trotter’s upcoming dance card could include a date in the Hambletonian on August 6.
“I think so,” offered Dunn. “It looks like quite an even bunch of trotters here. Like I said, he hasn’t done anything wrong and he’s heading in the right direction. He is versatile and he has a good last quarter in him.”
Bred by Tony Holmes, Fast As The Wind was a $95,000 purchase (Hip No. 202) at the 2020 Lexington Select Sale.
He paid $2.90 for his Goodtimes victory. The race presentation was made by John Bax, who campaigned world champion and Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Goodtimes to a 50-win career and over $2.2 million in lifetime earnings.
