Switching tactics from being on the front, O'Brien Award finalist Wheels On Fire this time came from behind to notch his third consecutive win in the $36,000 Preferred Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Jan. 29).

The Carmen Auciello pupils left the car one-two, with Woodmere Stealdeal leading stablemate Uhtred to a :28.1 first quarter and Wheels On Fire sitting third. Uhtred circled from the pocket in the backside while Wheels On Fire stayed put towards a :57 half. 

Driver Doug McNair made his move with the seven-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding into the final turn and marched towards the front past three-quarters in 1:25.3, promptly putting his competition away into the stretch. The Richard Moreau trainee coasted to the finish 2-1/2 lengths clear of a blanket finish of the rest of the field, with Uhtred narrowly holding second from Jimmy Freight closing to the far outside and So Much More finishing one paced. 

Owned by Brad Grant, Wheels On Fire won his 38th race from 99 starts, pushing his earnings to $715,363. He paid $2.70 to win.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.