It was a huge weekend at Mohawk, with the Grand Circuit showing up in the Canadian Pacing Derby and the Maple Leaf Trot. These are big-money events valued at $540,000 and $600,000, respectively.
This division has been wide open this year, especially with Bythemissal on the sidelines. Abutckabett Hanover has been hit and miss with some stellar performances, and he looking to assert himself in the division with a win in this spot. He has four wins in seven starts this year with wins in the Haughton and Brower at the Meadowlands but the dud in the Mckee adds questions. Many of these participants this year have Stakes wins in the past but not so much this year. Allywag Hanover has been a shell of his former self so far, but his class could show up at any time. It's My Show loves this racetrack but has not had the same speed this season and has been relying on trips. Oakwood Arden has shown brilliant speed this year but never at the Stakes level. Taurasi has been awesome in Mohawk Preferreds but is another that lacks Stakes wins. Four-year-olds El Rey, Voukefalas, Seven Colors, and Huntinthelastdolar all have shown ability in the past but need a breakthrough. It is a fascinating race.
The Maple Leaf Trot had some breakers in the eliminations that have affected the high-priced Final. Winners Bet busted in the first one and Venerate in the second elimination despite looking to be an easy winner. He was disqualified for an extended break and will not be in the Final on Saturday. The 3/5 favorite Southwind Tyrion was pressured the entire first Elim and tired badly. This creates a wide-open Final with one of the favorites being long-time Mohawk lover Logan Park. He was placed the winner of the second elimination after Venerate blew up in the stretch. His style is typically a go to the front and look to improve his position. He is classy and fast but for this purse will take pressure the entire mile. Periculum has returned to Melander this year and put it all together in the elimination with the driver switch to Zeron. The mare M MS Dream draws poorly here but certainly has the class, speed, and toughness to hang with this group of males. Local standouts Osceola, Ghostly Casper, Fashion Frenzie, and Gaines Hanover have certainly won their share of money here. All have proven capable off their best and if they get their trip. Oh Well hasn't done much at four so far but Dexter Dunn is back on after a decent back half in the elimination. Sets up to be a fantastic night at Mohawk with two wide-open Grand Circuit events. There are also plenty of undercard Stakes on the card with OSS Gold events and divisions of the Simcoe that include the return of Hambo runner-up Highland Kismet.
Full coverage of this weekend's Mohawk card on the Harness Players Podcast which features the return of Edison Hatter and an extra Ray version of Ray Cotolo.
Meadowlands comes back this weekend too…..get busy John.
Enjoy the weekend,
~Mikee P.
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The Meadows Friday Race 3 - (1) Lou Vuitton is making just the fourth start of his 3 YO campaign after earning nearly $250K at two. He is getting faster each start and most recently comes off a solid third against older horses. I can see a sub-1:51 mile from him tonight.
~Kevin Plowcha
Century Downs Friday Race 2 - (5) YV Larceny ML 3-1 - Should be tough to catch assuming she gets the lead. Was barely defeated last time by pocket sitter and that one has a major change in the driver here.
~Murray Slough
Mohawk Saturday Race 5 - (5) Order One to Go (6-1) - Potent late kick, draws towards inside now. Last out 53/1 back 1/2. Looking to get at least 4-1. Also question the current form of the fave (9)
~Chris Cooz
Mohawk Saturday Race 11 - (4) The Vicar is drawn well to stalk the leaders and pounce late for the win in this spot.
~Garnet Barnsdale
This week on the Harness Players’ Podcast, Ray Cotolo hosts a discussion of the Late Pick 5 for Saturday (Aug. 31) at Woodbine Mohawk Park, which includes the $540,000 Canadian Pacing Derby and $600,000 Maple Leaf Trot inside of the sequence. Edison Hatter joins Ray Cotolo for the discussion and the two share ticket ideas for the sequence as well as their analysis of each race inside of the sequence.
Secure A Final Table Spot
Friday, August 30th, compete for a final table spot with our Woodbine Friday contest. The top two finishers will move on to a final table show presented by In The Money Media. The final table top prize is a $1,000 Buy-In to the Woodbine Mile live money contest. Must be US based to participate.
Prize Structure:1st place and 2nd place: Final Table entry for September 8th, 2024 presented by In The Money Media. Must be available for a livestream in order to claim the prize.
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