Three sets of rookies faced the starting gate during Thursday’s 10-race card at Woodbine Mohawk Park, with Angies Luckeylady, Jumpshot and Bettors Wish winning their respective affairs.
Angies Luckeylady got things underway in the opener thanks to her come-from-behind tally in 1:58.4.
Trevor Henry got away fifth with the youngster, and together they tracked Giving It All and then Presto Change O through very sensible panels of :30, 1:00.1 and 1:30.3. Henry rallied his charge from the backfield as the field sped by the three-quarter pole, and then Angies Lucky Star fired home in :27.2 to win by a neck over Presto Change O. Third prize was earned by Cambridge Kate.
Shannon Henry trains the daughter of Angus Hall-Angie Blue Chip, who is owned by Trevor Henry Stables Inc, Dave Hudson and 1035840 Ontario Inc. The youngster, who was sent off at odds of 10-1, is a full-sister to another good once campaigned by the Henrys – Angies Lucky Star (1:53.1 - $385,125).
Jumpshot settled for third in his pari-mutuel debut, but he took his game to a whole new level when he drew clear to win by more than six lengths in his second go around.
Sylvain Filion got away in mid-pack with the J.F. Maguire-trained colt. The son of E L Titan-Chef Heartsalot then watched Blazing Trail and Isnt He An Angel take turns on the lead before sweeping past the pair of them en route to the winning effort in 1:58.3. Screaming Hawk was next best, with Missys Magic Man taking home third prize.
Sent off as the 3-2 favourite, Jumpshot scored the win for Ecuries Richelieu Inc of Quebec.
Bettors Wish learned his early lessons across the border in the U.S., but after those preps he made his way to Canadian soil and out-sprinted foes to the line in his pari-mutuel debut.
Driver Paul MacDonell got away eighth with the Chantal Mitchell trainee, and he remained far back through fractions of :28.2, :56.3 and 1:25.3. Still sixth on the outside heading into the final quarter of the $14,000 contest, Bettors Wish launched home in :26.4 to win by 2-1/4 lengths over race favourite Capitano Italiano.
Sent off at odds off 7-1, Bettors Wish pulled off the upset for owners Chris Ryder, Bella Racing Ltd, Fair Island Farm, Inc. and Kenneth Solomon. The $20,000 purchase from last year’s Lexington Select Yearling Sale made a nice down payment on her purchase price thanks to the win.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.