Another set of opening round divisions for Pop-Up Series went to gate at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Feb. 12), and Harry G posted the sharpest mile of the two with a 1:56.1 pocket-popping victory.
Leading to the quarter in :28.4, Harry G yielded control to Day Delight into the backstretch. Day Delight cruised in command to a :57.2 half and to three-quarters in 1:26.3 while Good And Sweet attempted to make gains first over. Good And Sweet loomed nearer to the pacesetter spinning for home but promptly stalled as Harry G looked for room to shake from the pocket. Once given a seam, the five-year-old Rollwithitharry gelding grabbed the lead and past the beam a half-length better than Day Delight. Noneyabizzness rallied to finish third and Good And Sweet held fourth.
Trained by Mike Saftic for owner Christina Gillis, Harry G won his 16th race from 57 starts, lifting his earnings to $73,960. Travis Cullen drove the $6.50 winner.
Little Manny made his way to the lead and turned all challengers away to take the other Pop-Up Series division in 1:58.1.
Artistic Pick clicked by the quarter in :28 as Little Manny ventured uncovered for the front and soon crossed over to lead moving up the backside. Rymar Champ soon moved wide out of third to try for the lead, but raced parked to a :58 half and through three-quarters in 1:28.3 at Little Manny’s side. Off the turn, Little Manny gained separation as Rymar Champ retreated, and the five-year-old Articulator gelding then strolled to the finish to post a 2-1/2-length win over Artistic Pick. Drivelikeustoleit closed to finish third and Another Great Pick also rallied home for fourth.
Owned and trained by Dr. Trevin Shive, Little Manny won his 17th race from 55 starts, boosting his earnings to $51,816. James MacDonald piloted the $4.40 winner.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.