Driver Doug McNair doubled up in the evening’s top events at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Jan. 15), winning the $42,300 New Years Claiming Series Final with Mustang Beach and the $34,000 Preferred Pace.
Heavy favourite Mustang Beach delivered another stretch sweep to score a 1:56.1 victory in winning the $42,800 New Year Claiming Series Final on Saturday (Jan. 15) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
P L Oliver powered from post 9 to take the lead to a :27.4 first quarter while driver Doug McNair floated Mustang Beach off the wings to race eighth, about 14 lengths off the lead. Saratoga Blue Chip brushed off the pegs up the backside to go from fifth to first by the half in :57.4 while Mustang Beach caught cover in the developing flow to race third over. But that flow stalled coming to three-quarters when P L Oliver pulled pocket, forcing McNair to vault the four-year-old Sunshine Beach gelding three wide by three-quarters in 1:27. With straight sailing, Mustang Beach forged for the front through the lane and edged a half length in front of Saratoga Blue Chip by the beam to win in a 1:56.1. P L Oliver held third and Montysgonemarble finished fourth.
Owned by Busi Racing, Mustang Beach won his seventh race from 34 starts, earning $113,957. Duane Marfisi trains the $2.70 winner.
Wheels On Fire also delivered as the favourite in his even, circling to the lead and striding clear to a 1:52.4 win.
Beyond Better blasted for the lead from the outermost post in the sextet while Wheels On Fire sat second to a :27.3 first quarter. Slowing the tempo to a :57.1, Beyond Better braced for a pocket pop from Wheels On Fire moving to the final turn, but the seven-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding overpowered the pacesetter and opened three lengths to three-quarters in 1:25.2. The Richard Moreau trainee continued to cruise through the stretch while So Much More rallied to take second, beaten 3-1/4 lengths, with Woodmere Stealdeal taking third and Points North fourth.
Owned by Brad Grant, Wheels On Fire won his 36th race from 97 starts, earning $680,363. He paid $5.50 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.