Southwind Judge and Manforce took their respective pace and trot divisions in the swiftest times of the freshman starters at Woodbine Mohawk Park during Friday (July 19) morning's qualifying session.
Southwind Judge went to the gate in the mixed qualifier for two- and three-year-old colts and geldings, but despite his age and it being only his second career start, the Shawn Steacy student won in the swiftest time of the two-year-olds.
James MacDonald took the Steacy student back to third as freshman Touchandgo Hanover (Tyler Jones) designated himself as the pacesetter. MacDonald and Southwind Judge did not move throughout the mile, maintaining position along the pylons in third through fractions in :30, :59, and 1:28. At the top of the stretch, the pair made their move with determination, cruising to a 1-3/4 victory in 1:56.4 over Nobodys Hero (Jody Jamieson) and Touchandgo Hanover.
Hudson Standrdbrd Stb Inc, Landmark 17 Racing Stable, and Bertrand Gilhespy Stable co-own the freshman son of Captaintreacherous - Southwind Johanne. In his first qualifier 10 days ago, he finished second in 2:00.4 and returned this week lowering that time by four seconds.
Jody Jamieson and Susie Kerwood teamed up to send Manforce to the gate in the fastest trot division.
Manforce took the lead early and never looked back, opening up through splits in :31.2, 1:01.3, and 1:30. He did not let up and sprinted home to a 4-3/4 length score in 1:59 over Poppin Bottles (James MacDonald) and Tencaratgold (Sylvain Filion).
Owned by M And L Of Delaware LLC, the two-year-old Muscle Mass - Wishimaywishimight colt has made two career starts with two second place finishes, including a 1:57.3 second place in the $47,925 Tompkins-Geers at Mohawk. He was scratched out of his latest start in an Ontario Sire Stakes Gold leg at Mohawk on July 9 before returning to qualify in Friday's session.
The replay for the live video of the qualifying session is available below.
For results from the qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers).
(Standardbred Canada)