The Woodbine Mohawk Park Fall-Winter meet began Thursday with driver Chris Christoforou having a big night at the office, including an upset win in the opening leg of the Harvest Series for Ontario Sired three-year-old trotting colts and geldings.
Christoforou started the meet in style by posting four wins in just five starts, including a victory in the lone Harvest Series division. Of his four wins, three came in upset fashion.
The evening started with Christoforou sweeping the ‘Early-Double’ with four-year-old trotting mare Moni Justice ($19.30) and three-year-old trotter Charlie Ona Harley ($44.30). Charlie Ona Harley’s victory came in the single Harvest Series division for Ontario Sired sophomore trotting colts and geldings.
The $17,000 first leg division saw five of the nine trotters break and some confusion early in the mile that led to Christoforou eventually moving out of third at the half with Charlie Ona Harley and going three-wide around rivals to take the top spot at three-quarters. The gelded son of Glidemaster trotted away to a 5-1/4 length victory in 2:01.2.
Charlie Ona Harley, now a five-time winner in his career, is trained by Jack Moiseyev for Joanne Colville and Nancy MacNevin. The Harvest Series victory improves his numbers to three wins and $24,665 earned in 15 starts this season.
Christoforou would score the hat-trick by winning the seventh race with three-year-old pacer Barn One ($29.60) and then getting the grand slam aboard five-year-old trotting mare Alona ($6.30) one race later.
Live harness racing resumes Friday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. First race post time is 7:10 p.m.
To view the charted lines from Mohawk's Thursday night card, click the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(with files from Woodbine)