Round one of the Snowshoe Pacing Series took place Friday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park, as three- and four-year-old male pacers sparred in a trio of $17,000 divisions.
Noch Ten drew first blood taking the opening division in gate-to-wire fashion for the tandem of driver Jody Jamieson and trainer Carmen Auciello.
Jamieson hustled the four-year-old son of Warrawee Needy-Astrmowin to the lead from Post 3 and together they led the group through fractions of :27.2, :57.2 and 1:27.1 before using a :29.1 final quarter into a fierce wind to win by a nose over race favourite Dragon Roars Again in 1:56.2. Taking home third prize in the seven-horse affair was Captain Ray.
James Downer, Auciello Stables and Jonathan Drury share ownership on the two-time winner who bumped his overall bankroll to $34,760 with the win.
Make It Come True turned in a strong rally in the lane for driver Ed Hensley en route to posting a sharp-looking triumph in 1:55.2.
Major Makover pushed his way to the lead from Post 1 and wound up slicing out fractions of :28.2, :57.2 and 1:26.2 before being confronted by the backfield. Unique Beach was first over around the final turn and race favourite Lyons Liberty was working out the trip from second over. Hensley was third over with Make It Come True, who tipped wide and fired home in :28 to win by a neck over Lyons Liberty in 1:55.2. Major Makover faded late to settle for third.
Ashleigh Hensley trains the four-year-old son of Captaintreacherous-Dream Of Treasure for owners Brad Maxwell, Dr. Fred Kruszelnicki and Kenneth Frieder. The three-time winner now boasts a bankroll that stands at $41,880.
Bettors Donttell stepped to a second consecutive victory thanks to his triumph in the third division for driver Doug McNair and trainer Jean Guy Belliveau.
The three-year-old son of Bettors Delight-Donttellruss got away third and watched Victory Move put up an opening quarter clocked in :28.1. Hes Swift popped the pocket in the backstretch and marched to the lead. He went on to post middle panels of :57.3 and 1:26.2 before being confronted by the first-over Bettors Donttell. The favourite kicked home in :28 to win by 1-3/4 lengths over Hes Swift in 1:54.4. Bettor In Cash rounded out the Trifecta ticket.
Owned and bred by Troy Mark of Simcoe, ON, the gelding nabbed his third career victory while lifting his lifetime earnings to $37,500.
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.