However, Blue Porsche, the 5-2 second choice, suddenly broke stride under Trevor Ritchie, after the three-quarters was reached in 1:24.3, as Pierce wheeled Pastor Stephen to the outside to take over. Under a drive, he eventually finished 1-1/4 lengths in front of Luckycharm Hanover in a Simcoe Stakes record time of 1:52.4, while Whatever It Takes was third.
Pastor Stephen, a son of Cantab Hall, enjoyed a banner 2-year-old campaign, winning six of 11 starts and more than $660,000, highlighted by a victory in the Wellwood and runner-up finishes in the Breeders Crown to Manofmanymissions and to Blue Porsche in the Valley Victory.
This year, although he'd won three of nine entering the Simcoe and was fifth in the famed Hambletonian last month, it wasn't quite the sophomore campaign his connections had envisioned.
"He's one of my horses that got sick," explained trainer Takter. "He's been battling that for a good six, seven weeks. You're never really confident. I know Blue Porsche is a very good horse, but he's also been having some issues this year. But Ronny (Pierce) was very happy. He said he felt like he had the right power back in him and hopefully, by the time we race in the Canadian Trotting Classic (September 17), we'll have the old horse back."
With the winner's check of $61,822, Pastor Stephen became the sport's newest millionaire, now with career earnings of $1,058,188.
Pastor Stephen paid $4.30, $3.00 and $2.70, combining with Luckycharm Hanover ($5.30, $3.70) for a $15.40 (5-4) exactor. A 5-4-10 (Whatever It Takes, $4.10 to show) triactor returned $79.50, while a $1 Superfecta (5-4-10-3-Traverse Seelster) was worth $169.25.