Off a decisive win in the $34,000 Preferred Pace last week, Wheels On Fire landed at the finish just in time to score at the top class again on Saturday (June 19) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Driver Doug McNair protected position with Wheels On Fire from the pylon post and led the field by the quarter in :26. As he slowed on the lead, odds-on favourite Century Farroh fired from third and took over command heading to a :55.2 half.
Hail Christian N then angled first over moving to the far turn and ranged to within a head of the lead to press the pace to three-quarters in 1:23.4. But Hail Christian N stalled off the turn and Century Farroh began to drift on the lead, opening a seam from Wheels On Fire to shoot through late and snag victory by a nose in a 1:51 mile. Century Farroh settled for second with Hail Christian N taking third.
A six-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere, Wheels On Fire won his seventh race from 10 starts this season and his 29th from 78 overall, earning $499,523. Richard Moreau trains the $4.60 winner for owner Brad Grant.
James MacDonald again had the hot hands on Saturday, winning five of the evening’s 11 races. He opened the card with a victory by No Free Lunch ($5.00) and came back two races later to win with Second Bruiser ($5.40). A couple races later, MacDonald returned to the winner’s circle with Mary Kat ($5.90) and capped the night with a sweep of the late double by Highlandbeachlover ($21.40) and Pointomygranson ($6.70), the latter of which won in a dead heat.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.