Musical Rhythm looked as though he was in a prime position to steal Monday’s $34,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park, but Free Willy Hanover stormed home late and nabbed that foe in deep stretch to post an upset of his own.
Jonathan Drury got away third with Free Willy Hanover while Musical Rhythm shot to the front and served up very sensible fractions of :28, :57.1 and 1:25.2. B Yoyo was first over and pressing the leader in the middle stages of the mile before backing away and race favourite P L Jill seemed to struggle while riding his cover around the final turn.
Drury and Free Willy Hanover angled off the pylons in the lane, and when they found clearance they used a :27.1 final frame to win by a length over Musical Rhythm in 1:53.2. Cue Hall tagged along to grab the show dough in the seven-horse affair.
Carmen Auciello trains the six-year-old son of Credit Winner-Free Spirit, who was sent off at odds of 8-1, for Armando Cappuccitti, Robert Watson, Mike Bartram and his Auciello Stables. It was the gelding’s second win of the season and the 18th of his career. He’s banked more than $380,000 to date.
Earlier on the card it was the Pepsi North America Cup eligible Lets Have Another turning in another sharp victory for trainer/driver Paul MacDonell.
The lightly-raced – and very photogenic – three-year-old son of Big Jim-Emmas Lily rolled the field through fractions of :28, :58 and 1:26.3 before scooting home in :27.3 to win the $17,000 conditioned event by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:54.1.
Paul MacDonell Racing Stb, GLB Stable and Dave Hudson share ownership on the pacer who now boasts a 4-0-1 record from five trips to the track. He’s banked over $33,000 to date.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.