The Wayfaring Man and Jack Moiseyev turned in a big 1:52.2 mile to capture the $43,200 Dream Maker Series Final Monday night at Mohawk.
A compact group of six two-year-old pacers contested the final leg of the three-week series.
Read The Proposal left hard off the gate to take the early lead, but was overtaken on the way to half by leg one winner Pierce Hanover and driver Paul MacDonell at a solid half-mile time of :55.3. On the way to the three-quarter pole, Amora Beach was sent first up from third by driver James MacDonald providing cover for Moiseyev and The Wayfaring Man on MacDonald’s back.
In the stretch, The Wayfaring Man capitalized off his second-over trip pacing by the top two in the final eighth of the mile to win by a length and a quarter, with a last quarter of :27.4. The clocking of 1:52.2 is the fastest mile by a two-year-old pacer this year in Canada. Amora Beach edged by Pierce Hanover to take the place spot. Late Night and driver Doug McNair finished fourth.
A son of Dragon Again–Armbro Wichita, The Wayfaring Man finished second in a dead-heat in the opening leg before breaking his maiden in the second leg. The series finale victory was the second win in-a- row and a new lifetime best for $62,000 purchase from last year’s Lexington Select Yearling Sale, who is owned by Bruno Comegna and trained by his son, Nicky Comegna. The pace earned $29,820 in three career starts.
The Wayfaring Man is eligible to the Nassagaweya Stakes on August 16, which is one week before the eliminations for the Metro Pace, the top stake race for two-year-old pacers.
This year’s edition of the Dream Maker Series was dedicated to the memory of Antonio Chiaravalle. The long-time owner, who passed away in June, owned many great standardbreds including the series namesake, Dream Maker.
Monday’s card also featured the opening leg of the Pure Ivory Series for two-year-old trotting fillies.
Southwind Champane defeated six other rivals in a sparkling 1:56.3 for driver Steve Byron and trainer John Bax.
A daughter of Muscle Hill–Caerphilly, Southwind Champane got away in second and was quickly right-lined to the front in the second quarter. Around the final turn, Spirit To Win, the 1-2 favourite, came first up to confront Southwind Champane and was a length off the lead at the three-quarter pole.
After a :28.3 third-quarter, Southwind Champane continued to trot strong down the lane holding off Spirit To Win by a quarter of a length to win with a final panel of :28.2. Allies Gift took the show spot, while Drinksonthehouse finished fourth. The 1:56.3 clocking is the fastest mile by a two-year-old trotter this season in Canada.
Southwind Champane is owned by Parkhill Stud Farm, Glengate Farms and Gordon Wright. She cost $32,000 at last year's Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. The first leg victory improves her record to two-for-two in her young career.
The second leg of the Pure Ivory Series takes place next Monday night (August 11) at Mohawk.
This Thursday night, the $37,800 final of the Whenuwishuponastar Series will take place at Mohawk.
(WEG)
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.