Two divisions of the Tie Silk Series went postward Monday evening at Mohawk Racetrack, and it was a chalk parade thanks to popular wins by Merchandiser and Donicus.
Merchandiser was parked past the quarter pole in his $16,000 assignment, but he eventually worked his way to the top and carved out panels of :57.2 and 1:25.4. He held a comfortable lead past those posts before holding on to win by a head over the late-driving Blenheim in 1:55.3. P C Foreign Affair swept from last to finish third in the eight-horse affair.
Trainer/driver Greg Peck shares ownership on the three-year-old son of Muscle Hill-Majestic Style with Christy Markos of Newtown, PA and Robert Burgess of Campbellville, Ont. It was the second win of the season – and to date – for the career winner of $15,000.
Donicus also found himself parked at the quarter pole, but he muscled his way to the lead and motored to another impressive win. He led through fractions of :58.4 and 1:28 for trainer/driver Eddie Green before slipping home in :29.1 to win by 2-1/4 lengths over Pukka in 1:57.1. Summajestic was third.
Sent off as the 1-5 favourite, the three-year-old son of Deweycheatumnhowe-Flying Dove Café made it 2-for-2 in the series for owner Mona Racette of Ohsweken, Ont. It was the third consecutive win for the eight-time winner, who now boasts a 7-0-2 record from nine trips to the track this season. He’s banked more than $62,000 in his career.
The $32,200 Tie Silk Series final goes Monday, April 25 at Mohawk Racetrack.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.