ip was sweet and the end result was perfect for Charlie Is A Joker, who turned a two-hole trip into a 1:53.2 triumph in Monday’s $34,000 Preferred Trot at Mohawk Racetrack.

Charlie Is A Joker charged to the early lead from Post 5 for driver Sylvain Filion, who had him on top at the quarter pole in :28.1. He released race favourite Uncle Peter to the lead when that heavily-favoured foe came after him in the backstretch. Uncle Peter strolled through middle panels of :56.4 and 1:25.1 before going into sprint mode coming off the final turn.

 

Charlie Is A Joker angled off the rail turning for home, and the trotter’s :27.4 closing quarter was enough to help him post the half-length triumph over Uncle Peter. Watkins was treated to a ground-saving trip in the seven-horse affair. Watkins came on strong to finish third.

 

Bred and owned by Tom and Elizabeth Rankin of St. Catherines, ON, the five-year-old son of Angus Hall-Keystone Caprice improved this year’s record to 6-1-3 from 23 trips to the track with the win. The 23-time winner has now banked $221,518.