After a seven-months absence from the winner's circle in Woodbine Mohawk Park's top class, Richard Moreau trainee Wheels On Fire made his return to the photograph island after winning the $34,000 Preferred 2 Pace on Saturday night (Oct. 8).
Stablemate American History cleared the lead from favourite Wheels On Fire to a :26.4 first quarter and free wheeled on the point through a :54.3 half and to three-quarters in 1:21.1. The fractions proved taxing on the pacesetter as he spun for home flattening and drifting, opening a gap for Wheels On Fire to scoot through at the inside while Codename Cigar Box rallied off cover late. Wheels On Fire crossed the beam three-quarter lengths better than Codename Cigar Box at the end of a 1:49.1 mile with Mappos Lion grinding first over to take third and American History holding fourth.
A seven-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere, Wheels On Fire won his 41st race from 125 starts and pushed his bankroll to $907,338. Brad Grant owns the gritty $6.90 winner while Doug McNair sat in the sulky.
Trainer Carmen Auciello recorded a hat trick on the card. He scored his first win on the night with a decisive front-stepping win by The Amazingsando (1:52.1 winning mile, $8.30 to win) and later won with Ontario Sires Stakes prospect Southside Eddy (1:52.1, $14.40) before completing the hat trick with a strong victory by Points North (1:50.3, $5.70).
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Wheels On Fire
Wheels On Fire has become the new Easy Lover Hanover - the colder that the temperature gets, the better he races!