Trainer Richard Moreau had three of his pupils enter the winner’s circle on the 11-race card at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Dec. 4) including Wheels On Fire, who won the co-featured $34,000 Preferred Pace in 1:51.3.
Sent the 6-5 favourite, Wheels On Fire settled into third from post six while second-choice Uhtred set the tempo to a :28 first quarter. Uncontested through a :56.4 half, Uhtred faced pressure to the final turn when driver Doug McNair revved Wheels On Fire out of third and blitzed for the lead by three-quarters in 1:24.3. The six-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding promptly downed Uhtred off the corner, but had late-stretch company as Beyond Better kicked off his cover and gave pursuit for the lead. Wheels On Fire dug in to the finish, holding his ground by three-quarters of a length while Cold Creek Cabo checked in third and Sweet Diesel grabbed fourth.
Owned by Brad Grant, Wheels On Fire won his 12th race from 25 starts this season and his 34th from 93 overall, pushing his earnings to $638,203. He paid $4.50 to win.
Moreau nabbed a victory in the race prior to begin his three-win night when Chantee ($4) found his way to the winner’s circle after winning a $22,000 overnight pace. A victory in the nightcap by Silver Maple ($29.30) cinched the hat trick for Moreau.
The featured race on Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park was the $50,200 Harvest Series Final for three-year-old pacing fillies. To read what unfolded in that event, click here.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.