The two pacing mares accepting byes for next Saturday's Milton Stakes put in tightener miles this morning during Mohawk Racetrack's Friday qualifiers

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Uncorking a speedy :26.2 closing panel, Southwind Tempo and driver Jody Jamieson hit the wire first in the second qualifier of the morning, trippng the timer in 1:53.1 for Canadian conditioner Darren McCall and owners Jerry Silva of Long Beach, N.Y. and Let It Ride Stables of Delray Beach, Florida.

Finishing second to Southwind Tempo was stablemate Tug River Princess, handled by McCall and timed in 1:53.2 just a length and a quarter back in second.

Both mares accepted byes from this Saturday's Milton elimination based on seasonal earnings.

Also returning to action was two-year-old pacer Grin For Money, one of two 2008 SBOA Mentoring Program yearling purchases, who returned after a two-month rest with a sharp 1:55.4 score for driver Sylvain Filion, trainer John Kopas and the Tom Brodhurst-mentored Grin For Money Stable of London, Ont.

For full results, click here.