Favourite players got their wish in the first division of Monday’s Summertime Series at Mohawk Racetrack, but the second division was custom made for longshot lovers.
Silverhill Shadow slam dunked the foes he faced in his $18,000 assignment for the tandem of driver Chris Christoforou and trainer Dr. Ian Moore. The three-year-old son of Shadow Play-Ruthie Jane got away fourth, but brushed to the lead in the backstretch. Company Man sliced out the first quarter in :27.2, but Silverhill Shadow led through middle panels of :57.1 and 1:25.3 over the ‘good’ surface before using a :27.2 closing fraction to win by 4-1/4 lengths in 1:53. The 1-9 favourite defeated Company Man and Nirvana Seelster.
Silverhill of Tignish, PEI bred and owns the colt, who won for the first time this season and for the third time in his career. The $9,000 payday lifted his lifetime earnings to $60,480.
Blacktree played giant killer in the second division thanks to his 40-1 upset for trainer/driver Luc Ouellette. All eyes were on 1-9 favourite Melmerby Beach, but that pacer was a bust after setting most of the speed. Blacktree rode cover in the back half of the contest before tipping into the centre of the track and using a :27.2 closing kick to win by a half-length margin over Capozzo in 1:53.3. Major Starlight rallied from last to finish third, while Melmerby Beach faded to finish fourth.
Luc Ouellette Incorporated of Campbellville, Equus Standardbreds Inc of Hamilton and Alan Alber of Thornhill, Ontario own the three-year-old son of Dali-Kiss Me Cam. It was the second lifetime win for the pacer who upped his earnings to $48,720 with the win.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.