In a recent discussion with Trot Insider, trainer Gord Irwin stated that if O'Brien Award winner Bigtime Ball is going to contest the Breeders Crown this fall, he has got to be in form to knock heads with the continent's best. The son of Presidential Ball made another big step Friday morning during the qualifying session at Mohawk Racetrack
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After having been away from any form of charted races for a year, Bigtime Ball made his return during a Mohawk qualifying session last week. Given his layoff, the gelding paced a very solid mile, as he stopped the clock in 1:52.3 and threw up a 14-length margin of victory for good measure.
One week removed from his return, Bigtime Ball and driver Paul MacDonell emerged from the Mohawk race paddock Friday morning to contest the second of seven qualifying dashes. The pair assumed Post 5 in the seven-horse dash and wasted no time getting down to business.
Bigtime Ball held a seven-length lead by the time he tripped the opening quarter in :27.3. The career winner of 35 races and just under $1.4 million in purses cruised to the opening half-mile marker. Up 12 lengths on his foes, the seven-year-old clicked off the opening half in :57 before getting serious in the third quarter.
Bigtime Ball fired up his jets somewhat along the final turn and froze the three-quarters timer in 1:24.2. His nearest competitor was 22 lengths in arrears at that point.
MacDonell and his mount finished off the mile with a :26.1 final quarter. They stopped the clock in 1:50.3, a full 28 lengths the best.
The other victorious horses during the session were Sir Winston (1:55.4), Uncommon Grace (2:01), Barbies Korvette (2:00), Ideal Ike (1:54.4), Banner Brule (1:54.4) and Bettors Green (1:54).
To view the charted results from Mohawk's Friday qualifying results, click the following link: Mohawk Racetrack - Friday (Qualifying).