Macallan and driver Scott Young took the $35,000 Pop-Up Series Final at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday, March 31, completing a clean sweep of the series.
The Pop-Up Series was open to trotters that were non-winners of $30,000 (fillies and mares $37,500) in 2024 or not averaging $1,700 (fillies & mares $2,125) per start in 2024, with a minimum of 15 starts.
There was plenty of early action right from the gate. Even money favourite Macallan surged forward and controlled the opening quarter in :27.4, asserting himself as the one to beat. However, 35-1 longshot Kenogami Coco (Trevor Henry) found himself caught on the outside and was forced to press on to the lead. Macallan briefly relinquished control but wasted no time reclaiming it, retaking the top spot before the half in :57.2 and hitting three-quarters in 1:26.3.
As Macallan remained in command, he began to impose his will. He gradually opened up his lead heading into the final turn, leaving the rest of the field to keep up. By the top of the stretch, it was clear that no one was catching him. With a strong and effortless stride, Macallan powered home under minimal urging from Young, stopping the clock in 1:55.1, winning by 4-1/4 lengths. The veteran trotter previously won the Pop-Up Series legs on March 10 and March 17, making his final triumph a decisive series sweep.
Archimedes (Kelly Sheppard) finished second after a solid late bid, while Shadrack Hanover (James MacDonald) rounded out the top three.
Macallan is a nine-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner out of Margarita Hall. He is trained by Timothy Cherwaiko, who co-owns with Gary Green of Puslinch, Ont. The aged trotter now boasts six wins from 10 starts this season, increasing his lifetime record to 23 career victories. His seasonal earnings have climbed to $71,950, while his career bankroll now sits at $333,305.
Earlier on the card, Race 4 was declared a No Contest after Collector S broke stride and fell at the start, unseating driver Billy Davis Jr. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and Collector S walked off the track. Davis continued driving for the remainder of the card. No other horses or drivers were involved in the incident.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(Standardbred Canada)