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Lexus Kody\u2019s final time of 1:49.1 was a Canadian, track and stakes record in the Grade 1 Maple Leaf Trot at Mohawk Park. New Image Media Photo.<\/p>\nMilton, ON \u2013 Lexus Kody, with Yannick Gingras in the race bike, showed no shortage of strength, stamina and savvy down the lane to take the C$630,000 Maple Leaf Trot (Grade 1) in record fashion, Saturday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park.<\/p>\n
Lexus Kody\u2019s final time of 1:49.1 was a Canadian, track and stakes record in the Grade 1 Maple Leaf Trot at Mohawk Park. New Image Media Photo.<\/p>\n
In a race chock full of top-shelf trotting talents, it was Lexus Kody who shone brightest on the Standardbred big stage.<\/p>\n
Hillexotic rocketed off the wings and powered to the front, followed by Lexus Kody, slight mutuel choice Aetos Kronos S and Private Access into the first turn.<\/p>\n
It was Hillexotic, at 23-1, on top by 1-3\/4 lengths through an opening quarter in :26.4, but Gingras had Lexus Kody on the move and the pair took over the proceedings ahead of the half in :54.3, followed by Aetos Kronos S, Private Access and Periculum, last year\u2019s Maple Leaf Trot winner.<\/p>\n
Hitting three quarters in 1:22.1, Lexus Kody, on top by 1-1\/4 lengths, looked to power away from his pursuers, as Aetos Kronos S and Periculum picked up the chase, looking to reel in the leader with time running out.<\/p>\n
A game Lexus Kody shrugged off each challenge and strode to the wire a confident 1-3\/4 length winner. Periculum was second, Hillexotic third and Call Me Goo fourth.<\/p>\n
The final time of 1:49.1 was a Canadian, track and stakes record.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got the ability to do it,\u201d praised Gingras. \u201cThere\u2019s no doubt about it. He won in [1]:49[.4] last year. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis horse has got all the ability in the world. You know, he\u2019s not an easy horse, but now he\u2019s an easy horse to drive, and it\u2019s a pleasure to win this race tonight.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not worried about speed \u2013 never be worried about that,\u201d added Gingras. \u201cI\u2019m worried about winning big races. Maple Leaf Trot means a lot, no doubt. My uncle is here tonight, that surprised me. So, it\u2019s special that I have my family around.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was the third Maple Leaf Trot crown for both Gingras and trainer Ron Burke, who teamed to win the 2017 edition with Hannelore Hanover the 2020 edition with Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Burke co-owns Lexus Kody with Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Phillip Collura.<\/p>\n
The 7-year-old son of Archangel out of the Ken Warkentin mare Lexus Helios came into the Maple Leaf Trot final off a similarly sharp showing in his C$50,000 elimination last week, a head score in 1:51 capped off by a final quarter in :27.<\/p>\n
Lexus Kody, who became the first Ontario-sired trotter to break the 1:50 barrier at The Meadowlands on the 2024 Hambletonian Day undercard, was even more impressive with six figures on the line Saturday evening.<\/p>\n
Bred by Norm Dunstan, Lexus Kody is now 32-20-11 from 84 career starts, accompanied by over C$1.2 million in purse earnings.<\/p>\n
He paid $13.30 for the victory.<\/p>\n