Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Trainer Larry Rathbone Nabs Biggest Victory of his Career
Longshot Mantacular wins Million Dollar Final for longtime Conditioner
June 20, 2004

For trainer Larry Rathbone, it was the victory of a lifetime. Rathbone watched as his charge Mantacular captured the $1,629,500 Pepsi North America Cup Final on Saturday night at Woodbine in 1:51.2. In Canada's richest horserace, the 26-1 longshot and driver Cat Manzi prevailed in a blanket finish after tipping five-wide in mid-stretch to best Metropolitan and driver JohN Campbell at the wire.

Only one and a half lengths separated the first six finishers, as Mantacular scored by a head among the group of North America's top sophomores. Panspacificflight was third, and Western Terror was fourth in the prestigious stake.

The victory earned Mantacular $814,750 in Canadian dollars and he returned $55.10 on a $2.00 ticket. He's second in Cup history as a longshot to Goalie Jeff, who scored for $93.60 to win in 1989. Owned by M&L of Delaware, Inc. the son of Western Hanover scored his first victory of 2004 in seven starts and had finished third in his Cup elimination to Western Terror. As a freshman Mantacular had amassed $232,974, winning eight of 13 starts.

“It couldn’t have gone any better,” Manzi was quoted as saying. “You never know how these things will go, but I had an idea that the colt could race better if I conserved him early because I like the way he raced at Mohawk. Larry Rathbone has done a great job, I have been friends with him for 30 years. The truth is I ended up following Georgia Pacific. It was a perfect thing, leaving the gate, I could see I could fall in behind him. He is a good leaver and he’s versatile.”

More Later from trainer Larry Rathbone on Mantacular....check back for details.

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