Heavily favoured Blank Canvas was a ‘much the best’ winner in his debut at Mohawk Park on July 6, and it was more of the same in Thursday’s follow-up performance.
Jonathan Drury rallied the Casie Coleman trainee off cover in the lane and the son of Art Major-Lets Imaging rolled to an impressive win by 4-1/4 lengths over Captain Koine in 1:52.4.
Wheres My Money shot to the early lead and had the field behind him at the quarter pole in :26.3. Luziana then sprinted to the position of command in the backstretch, and once he cleared he threw down middle fractions of :56.2 and 1:25.1. Blank Canvas, who was treated to a ground-saving trip for most of the mile, swung out to catch cover around the final turn and then launched home in :26.3 to win as he please. Captain Koine was next best, with Wheres My Money taking home third prize.
Sent off as the 3-5 favourite, Blank Canvas produced the winning effort for West Wins Stable, Bob Darrow and A Harris Racing LLC. The pacer was a $30,000 purchase from last year’s Harrisburg Yearling Sale.
Dark As A Pocket was just as dominant in her $14,000 assignment versus two-year-old trotting fillies.
Paul MacDonell hustled the daughter of Trixton-Mariongotchocolate to the lead from Post 8 and together they cut fractions of :28.2, :59 and 1:29.3 before punching home in :28.3 to win by 3-1/4 lengths over Minor Obsession in 1:58.1. Third prize went to Cometpedia.
Mike Keeling trains the youngster for Dreamville Stable of Cambridge, Ont. It was the first lifetime win for the $90,000 purchase from last year’s Lexington Select Yearling Sale.
Beholder also found her way to victory lane on the Thursday evening program, and in doing so extended her winning streak to five-in-a-row.
Doug McNair got away second with the Ronnie Morales trainee, but he had her on the move in the backstretch. She quickly overtook Ex Hanover, who supplied the :28.1 opening panel, and proceeded to lead the field through middle splits of :58 and 1:26.4. She used a :28-second kicker to win handily over Ex Hanover in 1:54.4. Taking home the show dough was Stormont Royalty.
Prince Lee Acres of Uxbridge, Ont. owns the seven-time winner who upped her lifetime earnings to $35,558 with the victory.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.