Say Cheese!

Before Betterthancheddar even made his first pari-mutuel start, trainer Casie Coleman praised her pupil as one of the best horses she has ever trained, and after an eye-catching 1:49.2 score Monday night

at Mohawk she was right.

The son of Bettors Delight-Lady Ashlee Ann marched to the front to lead his rivals past a :26.4 opening panel. Roll On, who was still parked out, cleared to the lead, but that would not last long as Jack Moiseyev sent Bestofbest Hanover to the front past a :56.2 half. Heading into the final turn, driver Brett Miller angled Betterthancheddar to the outside and marched right past Bestofbest Hanover to lead past three-quarters in 1:22.4. Turning for home, Betterthancheddar opened up on his rivals with every stride and scored by 10-3/4 lengths.

"I told Brett that 'Cheddar' should be able to pace right around 1:50 tonight," Coleman commented following the victory. "I wish we had a few more starts into him before the North America Cup, but I was really pleased with his win tonight. I've been telling people since day one that this horse is one of the best horses I've ever had. Tonight he proved me right and hopefully that continues."

Coleman also confirmed that Betterthancheddar's next start will be in the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes this Saturday at Mohawk.

Betterthancheddar is owned by West Wins Stable of Cambridge and Steve Calhoun of Chatham, Ontario.

As for driver Brett Miller, the Ohio native indicated he’ll driver primarily for trainer Casie Coleman while her regular pilot, Mark MacDonald, recovers from serious injuries suffered last week in an accident at Mohawk Racetrack.

“I drove Legal Litigator for Casie at London and she asked me to stay and drive her horses for the next few months until Mark returns,” Miller said. “I know when Mark [MacDonald] returns to the track, he’ll get his drives back. I’m just happy to fill in for the time being.”

Miller, who drives regularly at The Meadows and The Meadowlands, has over 5400 career victories with $35,871,141 in purse earnings.

(WEG)

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.