Coming off his most lucrative year to date, millionaire and open class standout Silent Swing is closer to making his seasonal pari-mutuel debut

with high hopes from his owner.

The winner of over $1.2 million saw his first action of 2009 against a tough group of older pacers during the Friday morning session of qualifiers at Mohawk Racetrack and under the guidance of driver Paul MacDonell tripped the timer in 1:53.

"He was really great. I think he was looking at a shadow in the first turn but after that it he was good," stated co-owner David Shea. "Paul said he was real strong through the wire."

Shea's comment isn't all that surprising, given that the Northern Luck gelding had impressed the Campbellville, Ont. resident before the Friday qualifier.

"'Swing' has trained down better this year than any other by far," Shea told Trot Insider. He has had his game face on from the start this year he has been really sharp the last three or four weeks.

"We trained him in 1.54.2 last week and he did it easy. I talked to JL [trainer Jean-Louis Arsenault] and I think we will qualify him one more time before he races because he will have to start off in the open."

With seven wins from 24 starts in 2008 and over $362,000 banked, Shea eagerly anticipates his standout's campaign against a solid group of older pacers. Trained by Jean-Louis Arsenault and co-owned by Reg Petitpas, Silent Swing will battle the best North America has to offer.

"We paid him into the Molson Pace (second in 2008), The Des Smith (which he won last year), the Canadian Pacing Derby and the Winbak Pace (winner in 2007).

"We are looking forward - with fingers crossed - to what could be a very good year."