The temperature was just above the freezing mark for an eight-pack of qualifiers Friday morning at Mohawk Racetrack.
The track was listed as ‘fast’ Friday, but the judges did allow a one-second variant on the chilly and windy morning.
Many eyes were on the seventh qualifier, as world champion Hes Watching and Milton Stakes winner Voelz Hanover lined up behind the gate.
Leaving from Post 6 in a field of six, Voelz Hanover and driver Randy Waples sprinted off the gate to grab the early lead, while Hes Watching and pilot Jody Jamieson dropped into the two-hole.
After an opening-quarter of :28, Voelz Hanover kept the tempo hot with a :27.3 second quarter to lead Hes Watching by a half-dozen lengths.
Voelz Hanover reached the three-quarters pole in 1:24, but Hes Watching, who was five lengths back, started to hit his best stride as they rounded the far turn.
In the stretch, Hes Watching would track down Voelz Hanover, but came up half a length short at the wire in 1:53.4.
Hes Watching paced his last quarter in :28.4, while Voelz Hanover’s final panel was in :29.4.
Hes Watching was making his second qualifying appearance in as many weeks in preparation for the Breeders Crown eliminations next weekend at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
The son of Art Major is trained by Dave Menary, who shares ownership with Brad Gray, Michael Guerriero and Muscara Racing Trust.
Hes Watching has won five of 12 starts this season for earnings of over $837,000. His career bankroll currently sits at over $1.1 million.
Voelz Hanover was making her first appearance since finishing fourth in the Fillies & Mares Preferred at Mohawk on October 10.
She was entered to race the following week at Woodbine, but was a vet scratch ‘sick.’
Voelz Hanover, a nine-year-old daughter of Astreos, won the $286,000 Milton Stakes at Mohawk in September.
She is trained by Corey Johnson for owner Richard Berthiaume and has won six of 16 starts this season for earnings of over $262,000.
Voelz Hanover’s career record currently sits at 44 wins from 168 starts for earnings of over $1.7 million.
Also making an appearance Friday morning was Valley Victory elimination winner Whataworkout. The Frank Antonacci trainee turned in a 25 length victory in 1:58.
Driven by Domenico Cecere, Whataworkout was making his first appearance since making a break in the stretch of the $521,000 Valley Victory on October 25 at Woodbine.
A two-year-old son of Muscle Hill, Whataworkout has won twice in his first five starts for earnings of over $32,000. He is owned by Lindy Farms of Connecticut.
Ontario Sires Stakes standout Sports Chic was also a winner Friday morning. A two-year-old daughter of Sportswriter, Sports Chic won her qualifier by 13 lengths in 1:56.4.
Driven by Jody Jamieson, th was Sports Chic’s first charted line since finishing fourth in the $250,000 OSS Super Final on October 11 at Mohawk.
Trained by Blake Macintosh, Sports Chic has won five times from 10 starts for earnings of over $241,000. Macintosh is also a co-owner of the filly along with Hutt Racing Stable.
The full list of Friday morning’s winners can be found below.
To view the harness racing results for the Friday qualifying session at Mohawk, click the following link: Friday Results – Mohawk Racetrack (Qualifiers).
The Meadowlands Racetrack also hosted a full slate of qualifying action Friday morning. To read more about that session, which featured a plethora of stars, click here.
(WEG)