The first kick at the can proved to be a winning one for a set of first-time starters – one on the trot and the other on the pace – during Thursday evening’s 10-race card at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Trotting her way to victory lane at first asking was Southwind Casha for the tandem of driver Paul MacDonell and trainer John Bax.
Unraced as a rookie, the three-year-old daughter of Cantab Hall-Southwind Cabaret was treated to a pocket trip throughout in her maiden voyage, and when MacDonell called on her to sprint – she complied. The filly stormed home in :28.2 to defeat race favourite Knopfler and King For Life, who carved out panels of :30, 1:00.4 and 1:30.3 before being collared.
Bax Stable and Glengate Farms own the youngster, who was a $22,000 purchase from the 2017 Harrisburg Yearling Sale.
Lucky Levis was given a third-over trip in his first go around, and the colt managed to pass four foes in the lane en route to posting an eye-catching win for the team of driver Trevor Henry and trainer Bob McIntosh.
The three-year-old son of Sunfire Blue Chip-Lucky Jeans got away sixth, and he held that spot to the half before sliding to the outside and catching cover. With fractions of :27.4 and :57.4 on the board, Lucky Levis swung out into the flow and began his journey to the lead. He tipped out in the stretch and kicked home in :28.2 to win by three-quarters of a length over J M Mandamin in 1:56.1. Big Bully took home the show dough in the $15,000 affair.
Sent off at odds of 8-1, the homebred posted the winning effort for Robert McIntosh Stables Inc and partner Bill Boden of Strathroy, Ont.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.