TRI's Picks July 25 Mohawk

By Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale

Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale, known as Shadow The Ace on Facebook, is the son of broadcast handicapper and writer Garnet Barnsdale. He too is a young racing aficionado that will be a regular writer on The Racing Inquirer. The Ontario native will have a focus on the WEG circuit, as well as writing previews for big events, columns and race reviews. He is welcomed as a new member of The Racing Inquirer. The thoughts of Nicholas Barnsdale are not that of The Racing Inquirer’s.

Mohawk Racetrack Pick 4, Races 4-7, Thursday, July 25, 2013

On Saturday, we went two-for-four, with our losses being the first two legs. But luckily that combo only cost $24 for a $2 play, which brings us to a loss total of $206. But that could change in one night, so we’ll see if we can start the turnaround tonight.

$2 Play: 2,7/3,6/4,6/2,8 = $36.

Analysis:

Race 4- (2) PUTMEINTOGO has been doing well after a step up to this class. He seems to be doing better than the other starters at this class. She has been improving lately and should be sharp tonight. (7) LYONSSWEETIE has also been racing at higher classes lately, with his most recent showing at this class resulting in a second. He has been sharp against tougher groups recently, making him our preferred choice.

Race 5- (3) ROCKNROLL HARMONY had a bad trip and post position last time. Coming from post 9, he got away far off the pace and could only make up so much ground. Reasoning for his last off the pace effort can be blamed on his sick scratch on July 6, likely needing a start to return to a winning groove. (6) BLACKBIRD SINGING won his last race at this level. He came into the stretch with a burst of speed, gaining 6-and-a-half lengths to win in 1:51. He is showing signs of peaking and will be on the board come the wire.

Race 6- (4) NORTHERN VICTORY quit in his last start due to a first over bid. He was a major threat in this group before his last start, the form he should be returning to with the right trip. (6) HOUSE MONEY is coming off a game effort against this bunch. He got a pocket to ride for a majority of the mile and snuck past rivals to gain runner-up honors. He is a contender within the value market, which if his morning line is correct in its prediction of post time odds, then a game effort and great price will ride on his back.

Race 7- (2) REQUEST FOR PAROLE has been a threat in the Town Pro series, heading into the final with a win and a second in the preliminaries. She won the second leg from on the pace, while the second place effort came from an off-the-pace position. She receives post relief in the final, placing a bigger role in the battle to the winners’ circle. (8) LEAVEUMLADY won the first leg of the Town Pro with ease. She skipped the remaining preliminaries to enter in the big dance, the Canadian Breeders’ Championship. She got to the final, posing no threat to eventual winner Love Canal. She races agaisnt a weaker group this week, one that she has already defeated and should do so again. 

Market Share Crushes Foes in Maple Leaf Trot

CAMPBELLVILLE, ON— The Saturday night race card at Mohawk Racetrack was headlined by the C$543,000 Maple Leaf Trot and the C$323,500 Roses Are Red finals, with Market Share destroying the other seven starters in the Maple Leaf Trot and Anndrovette taking the Roses Are Red in a Canadian record of 1:48.

Anndrovette sat a pocket trip behind Drop The Ball and overtook her in the final strides to take the Roses Are Red final in 1:48.

Anndrovette slingshots by Drop The Ball to win in 1:48
(New Image/WEG Photo)

Anndrovette left for the lead, with Bettor B Lucky getting away second and Drop The Ball in third. Anndrovette passed the quarter in :26.2. Drop The Ball pulled the pocket from third and brushed to the front with ease heading to the halfway point. Monkey On My Wheel was flushed first over from fifth and she attempted to get cover passing the half in :53.2 (:27). Rocklamation was up to the task entering the far turn, leading the two wide flow on their march towards race leader Drop The Ball. Anndrovette was patient in the pocket and slowly edged out heading to three-quarters. Drop The Ball led the field passing three-quarters in 1:20.1 (:26.4).

Drop The Ball’s only rival was Anndrovette. The two were 4 lengths clear of Rocklamation trying to gain ground in third and Bettor B Lucky looking for room. Anndrovette brushed alongside of Drop The Ball in the final sixteenth and with appearing ease went by and won by half a length in a Canadian record of 1:48 (:27.4). Drop The Ball settled for second, Rocklamation rallied for third and Krispy Apple snuck up the pylons to finish fourth.

Anndrovette ($5.20) defended her Roses Are Red title in fine style. The daughter of Riverboat King is owned by Bamond Racing LLC and Joe Davino, trained by Paul Fraley and was driven by Tim Tetrick to a lifetime best 1:48 mile, setting a track, stakes and Canadian record in the process.

Driver Tim Tetrick received redemption after his narrow loss in last year’s Maple Leaf Trot with Market Share, crushing his competitors by 2-and-a-half lengths in 1:51.1.

Knows Nothing was sent to the lead, with Arch Madness in second and Wishing Stone third heading to the quarter. Market Share was put into fourth 6 lengths off of Knows Nothing at the quarter in :26.3. Guccio made a break in the trailing position as the field entered the backstretch. Arch Madness brushed to the top from the pocket passing three-eighths and Wishing Stone tracked him as he cleared the front at the half in :54.3 (:28).

Market Share "flying" to the finish in 1:51.1
(New Image/WEG Photo)

Entering the far turn, Mister Herbie was first over beginning his pursuit from the back. Market Share was flushed out and began moving up quickly heading to three-quarters. Wishing Stone had lost the lead to Market Share at the three-quarter pole in 1:24 (:29.2). Market Share kicked clear by 2 lengths at the head of the stretch. Mister Herbie was all-out giving chase in second, while Wishing Stone was trying to hold onto third and Uncle Peter closing hard from in between horses. No one got close to Market Share at the end; he took the Maple Leaf Trot in 1:51.1 (:27.1) with Mister Herbie finishing second, Uncle Peter was third and Wishing Stone finished fourth.

By Revenue S, Market Share ($2.80) is owned by Richard Gutnick, T L P Stables and William Augustine, trained by Linda Toscano and Tim Tetrick was in the bike sweeping Mohawk’s featured events. 

TRI’s Picks July 20 Mohawk

By Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale

Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale, known as Shadow The Ace on Facebook, is the son of broadcast handicapper and writer Garnet Barnsdale. He too is a young racing aficionado that will be a regular writer on The Racing Inquirer. The Ontario native will have a focus on the WEG circuit, as well as writing previews for big events, columns and race reviews. He is welcomed as a new member of The Racing Inquirer. The thoughts of Nicholas Barnsdale are not that of The Racing Inquirer’s.

Mohawk Racetrack Pick 4, Races 4-7, Saturday, July 20, 2013

Our Friday night ticket was a big investment, resulting in only two of the four legs we hit. We came close in the two events we lost last night, with our choices giving us a race and finishing on the board. Last night we were counting the $1 bet, bringing or loss total to a $182. However, there are a few chalk busters thrown in here tonight. Good luck!

$2 Play: 3/3,8/6,10/5,6,8 =$24

Analysis:

Race 4- (3) VIPER SELECT set a lifetime mark in his most recent mile. Now, he is making a step up in class. He draws well tonight, which should allow him to race from his usual postion. We can expect a sharp effort from him this week.

Race 5- (3) MURMUR HANOVER looks sharp off of an impressive victory in the Canadian Breeders Championship elimination. He made a three wide move to brush to the top at the half-mile pole and cleared the front, holding off all challengers to the wire as the favorite. He is developing well his sophomore year and should be sharp tonight. (8) GOTTA SECRET lost his elimination by half a length to MURMUR HANOVER in a closing effort. He is showing signs of improvement and certainly has the class to win this event, looking back to his third place effort in the Goodtimes Trot.

Race 6- (6) MY MAN CHARLEY did very well at this class last time out, leading for most of the mile but receiving runner up honors at the line by three-quarters of a length. He has been racing better miles in his last few starts and should be impressive against this bunch. (10) ROCK ME AMASTREOS won in this class two starts back. He raced against tougher after that, pacing a decent mile. He is returning to the company he emerged victorious in two races back and should return to this class in his winning form.

Race 7- (5) UNCLE PETER ships to Mohawk with a victory at Pocono under his belt. He draws well for the Maple Leaf Trot and may need the assistance of a hot pace and a pocket ride to win this event, both of which are likely. (6) WISHING STONE should be great for a price. He beat UNCLE PETER convincingly in the Maxie Lee stakes, rating well on the lead and drawing clear. We will look for him to be forwardly placed and attack the leaders late in the mile. (8) MARKET SHARE has not lost a race so far this year. In two starts, he won both from off the pace by gunning down the leader until the very end. He will not be a good price for value in this event, so a triactor box with these three contenders is wise for making profit. 

TRI’s Picks July 19 Mohawk

By Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale

Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale, known as Shadow The Ace on Facebook, is the son of broadcast handicapper and writer Garnet Barnsdale. He too is a young racing aficionado that will be a regular writer on The Racing Inquirer. The Ontario native will have a focus on the WEG circuit, as well as writing previews for big events, columns and race reviews. He is welcomed as a new member of The Racing Inquirer. The thoughts of Nicholas Barnsdale are not that of The Racing Inquirer’s.

Mohawk Racetrack Pick 4, Races 4-7, Friday, July 19, 2013

Last night was a disappointing result, only managing to win two of four legs. We didn't spend too much on that play either. But, that’s another $12 onto our loss total, bringing it to a hefty $82. Hopefully we can turn it around tonight!

$1 Play: 4, 7/4, 5, 10/1, 2, 8/1, 5, 8 = $54 ($.20 Play = $10.80)

Analysis:

Race 4- (4) WINDSONG JACOBA has been racing well at this class lately, disregarding his last race in the Ontario Sires Stakes. Two starts ago, he gave chase to the leader, but that was against slightly better. Before that, he came out of the pocket from post 10 and strided away from rivals, a move that should earn him a victory tonight. (7) HILARIOUS HAYLEY has been overtaken in the final strides on the lead twice now, both resulting in third place efforts. Due to the lack of speed tonight, she should be able to pace comfortable fractions and pull away from the field in the stretch.

Race 5- (4) ALIBI SEELSTER is a two-year-old filly showing some great form in her career, having only lost one start. She made an uncharacteristic break in her last start but we can expect immediate improvement, pacing a faster mile than any of her rivals today. (5) PERFORMING ART made the driver switch from Jody Jamison to Sylvain Filion last time, appearing like a positive change. She is coming off a win and returning to the Mohawk oval, where she should be forwardly placed and in the mix late. (10) SUDOKU won her first career start at Rideau Carlton in a division of Ontario Sires Stakes. She is eligible for improvement off that victory as she gets ready to make her second appearance on the track. She will be at a disadvantage coming from the outside and is stepping up in class, but she should leave the gate and get a spot where she can track cover and get into contention.

Race 6- (1) COUGAR HALL skipped leg one of the Summertime series, but comes in sharp with two victories in his belt. He gets post relief this week and should continue improving. (2) AUCKLAND FLYER will be good for a price. He hasn’t been impressive in his last two starts, but has a win three starts back in his fastest time on his past performances. He draws better this week, giving him a better advantage to hit the board. (8) LUCAN HANOVER won his last race. He did not draw well, but will be a major factor towards the end of the mile.

Race 7- (1) ARTHUR BLUE CHIP did well two starts back in a higher class than his most recent effort. His latest race was poor, but he should make a quick recovery and the rail draw will make this horse a strong contender tonight. (5) CRAFTY MASTER handled a big step up with ease last time out. In his last race, he easily went wire-wire, and took off in the stretch, extending to win by 4-and-a-half lengths. He should be a good contender in this mile and give his bettors a race. (8) TWIN B SPY had a good debut, easily breezing by the leader at the top of the stretch to win, timed in 1:53. However, he faces a talented field today and the hurdle of the eighth spot on the gate, making this his first major challenge. With the right trip, all of his obstacles will not be an issue.  

TRI’s Picks July 18 Mohawk

By Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale

Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale, known as Shadow The Ace on Facebook, is the son of broadcast handicapper and writer Garnet Barnsdale. He too is a young racing aficionado that will be a regular writer on The Racing Inquirer. The Ontario native will have a focus on the WEG circuit, as well as writing previews for big events, columns and race reviews. He is welcomed as a new member of The Racing Inquirer. The thoughts of Nicholas Barnsdale are not that of The Racing Inquirer’s.

Mohawk Racetrack Pick 4, Races 4-7, Thursday, July 18, 2013

On Saturday, we got 3 of 4 again on our ticket, so our profit for the year (if you have been betting the tickets for two bucks) is now a deficit of $70. Unfortunate, but tonight, we will turn it around.

$2 Play: 1/ 2, 9/ 5, 6, 7/ 2

Analysis:

Race 4- (1) THORN IN YOUR SIDE is a horse that has been showing good efforts and strong finishes lately. He finished fourth by a few last time out but went a whole second faster than anyone in this field. From the inside post I expect him to step up for a victory. Honestly, few horses will be in contention late, which makes him our key horse. He would be an amazing horse to bet for win if he go off in the 5-1 or higher plateau.

Race 5- (2) ROCKIN WITH DEWEY raced faster than all other horses in their last races, finishing third with a parked mile. She will likely take the lead and cut some fast fractions, being either beneficial or harmful, depending on if she is good enough to hold on tonight. (9) OZZY OZZY is his main rival. He closed like a jet two starts back, which should not be a problem from post 9 if he remains in that form. OZZY OZZY will also be a good horse to bet to win, or the 2, 9 exactor box, as I see a late stretch nail-biter between these two, by which OZZY OZZY should prove better.

Race 6- (5) SHADOW BARAN has been racing spectacularly at a slightly higher class lately and now makes a slight drop in class. His last performance is questionable, but this horse should roll right into improvement. However, he is in against a strong field tonight. (6) SILVER DRAGON who was racing well in higher classes, but not so well off a layoff last start. We are looking for some improvement from him, but our other horse looks much better than SILVER DRAGON. (7) AMBLE OVER HANOVER has been remarkable in his last few starts. It seems his most recent second place effort can be blamed by a slow middle half. This horse can slow it down and pull away in the stretch with ease.

Race 7- (2) VALLEY GLIDER has had some eye-catching performances lately. He’s in against a weaker field tonight and should be sharp. (9) SAMIRA HANOVER will be a contender in this event, but will likely help out VALLEY GLIDER in his path to the winners’ circle. She’ll likely set the fractions in this mile, while VALLEY GLIDER sits a comfortable trip and makes his move into the stretch. It should be an easy win for VALLEY GLIDER, but he is not worth a win bet, as he probably won’t go off above 6/5. In the event he is within the 2-1 plateau, easy money is at hand. 

TRI's Picks July 13 Mohawk

By Nicholas "Ace" Barnsdale

Nicholas "Ace" Barnsdale, known as Shadow The Ace on Facebook, is the son of broadcast handicapper and writer Garnet Barnsdale. He too is a young racing aficionado that will be a regular writer on The Racing Inquirer. The Ontario native will have a focus on the WEG circuit, as well as writing previews for big events, columns and race reviews. He is welcomed as a new member to The Racing Inquirer. The thoughts of Nicholas Barnsdale are not that of The Racing Inquirer's. 

Mohawk Racetrack Early $75,000 guaranteed Pick 4 races 4-7, Saturday July 13th.

Off of our first ticket, the result was a three-of-four finish. Based on the $2 ticket, which is how we will account for our profits and deficits this year, we are down $22 for the year, since Zoe Blue Chip, Creampuff Macdaddy and Oceanview Bindi all went off above the 4-1 plateau. With that said, a $22 deficit is easy to recover from and tonight’s ticket should prove that. Good luck!

$2 Play: 3,6/4,9/5,10/5,6,7 = $48 ($24 for $1; $4.80 for $.20)

Analysis:

Race 4: (3) R GAUWITZ HANOVER has been showing some strong finishes at this level lately but the post draws have not been kind to him. Since he gets an improved post tonight he’ll definitely be a factor. The two horses that beat him in his most recent third place finish will not compete with him this week, so expect good things tonight. (6) CAMS TUX won in this class two races back in 1:49.3, topping my other pick R GAUWITZ HANOVER’s best time in the past three starts. Though, CAMS TUX was defeated by R GAUWITZ HANOVER in his last start. These two will be a great exactor box to bet, since their main rivals who triumphed over them will not go against them again this week.

Race 5- Canadian Breeders Championships Elim: (4) MACH IT SO won an Ontario Sire Stakes (OSS) Gold division last time out and has taken a two-week layoff before getting back on the track tonight. Based on his last start, he will possibly be the only huge factor. (9) WINDSONG JACK might also be a factor in this race. He won an Ontario Sire Stakes Gold Final, but in a significantly slower time than MACH IT SO won his OSS division. However, he finished third by a nose in the Super Final, making him a factor with MACH IT SO. This horse usually paces slower than MACH IT SO and will be at a disadvantage with post 9.

Race 6- Canadian Breeders Championships Elim: (5) MACHAROUNDTHECLOCK finished second last time by a slim margin. She has been showing performances that make her a big threat. We are expecting a good performance from her this week and this horse should beat her rival BEST IMPRESSIONS for the victory.(10) JETTIN JAMIE is the other contender in this field next to MACHAROUNDTHECLOCK. She won her last outing in an Ontario Sire Stakes Gold division, but this horse does have the disadvantage from post 10, making her the second choice of the two.

Race 7: (5) ALSACE HANOVER hasn’t raced since last year, but when he did he finished sixth by a slim 3 lengths in the $787,000 final of the Canadian Pacing Derby, closing from ninth. He also was third in his elimination. Before his Pacing Derby appearance, he raced in a $50,000 open and cruised home from the three-quarter pole. Off of a layoff, this horse can regain his groove quickly enough to win this race. (6) MICHAELS POWER has been showing poor efforts recently and might face some difficulty in this race. His last win came in the Ontario Sire Stakes Super Final three starts back in November of last year. We can probably expect some improvement tonight, but he might have some trouble due to the fact of the fast miles put in by a majority of this field. However, he is a good horse and can get to the wire first under the right circumstances. (7) THINKING OUT LOUD didn’t do so well in his last start, but he didn’t get the best of drives. We can look forward to some improvement from him tonight, as two races back he finished second by a neck to Heston Blue Chip in the Matron Stakes.  

TRI's Picks July 12 Mohawk

By Nicholas "Ace" Barnsdale 

Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale, known as Shadow The Ace on Facebook is the son of broadcast handicapper and writer Garnet Barnsdale. He too is a young racing aficionado that will be a regular writer on The Racing Inquirer. The Ontario native will have a focus on the WEG circuit, as well as writing previews for big events, columns and race reviews. He is welcomed as a new member to The Racing Inquirer. The thoughts of Nicholas Barnsdale are not that of The Racing Inquirer’s.

Mohawk Racetrack Early Pick 4, Races 4-7,  Friday, July 12, 2013

Presented is the first written piece and Pick 4 of Nicholas Barnsdale’s career at TRI. All rules with when Ray Cotolo did his Pick 4s will apply with Nick’s. If a horse is over 4-1 approaching post time, he will be value to win. Good luck to all!

$2 Play: 3/5,6/1,5/4,7 = $16 ($8 for $1; $1.60 for $.20)

Analysis:

Race 4- (3) Foolish Mind- He has experience against this group and is coming off a romp in an Ontario Sires Stakes event at Clinton. He appears to be the strongest contender in this field, as he has been showing sharpness and should be a big factor in the race. He may not be the value we are looking for, but I would strongly encourage wagering on him if he goes off in the 4-1 plateau.

Race 5- (5) Take That Hanover- Paced the fastest qualifier versus rivals in this field. Few horses will be in contention in this race, but in the event that the Well Said filly can’t hold the lead, then (6) Zoe Blue Chip will be another factor. I watched her win her first qualifier on June 22 in 1:58. She cleared the front with ease and cruised the rest of the way. She might be able to get a nice spot early and catch the leader in the stretch. Out our two contenders, this one will be better in the value market.

Race 6- (1) Murmur Hanover- He outclasses the field, looking back to last year when he finished third to Wheeling N Dealin in the Breeders Crown. As a matter of fact, he defeated Wheeling N Dealin last week, since the two-year-old champion finished fourth in his first outing. He is likely to show improvement starting from the pylons, a luxury he hasn’t had since the Ontario Sires Stakes Super Finals last year. (5) Creampuff MacDaddy- Won the Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final, but he trotted the mile in a soft 1:56; he won through disqualification. Murmur Hanover will be his main rival due the speed he showed last week. Creampuff MacDaddy may have to go through a heated battle with Murmur Hanover heading to the wire to claim victory.

Race 7- (4) Oceanview Bindi- She raced well two starts back against the same class, finishing second in a closing effort. We will exempt her last start, as she broke and was quickly eliminated. Based on her start before that, she can recover quickly and perhaps get a win. She is showing improvement and will continue to show improvement. (7) Ferrari Sena- She been racing against lower-classed fields in in the Maritimes region lately, but three starts back, she made a hike in class and rose to the challenge, finishing third by only a length from off the pace. She steps up slightly this week and might have an easy time with this group. 

Captaintreacherous Shows his Class in North America Cup Triumph

CAMPBELLVILLE, ON – Appearing to be done around the final turn, Captaintreacherous powered into the stretch and went by the leaders to a 1:48.3 lifetime-mark score in the $1,000,000 North America Cup.

Captive Audience blasted off the gate to challenge Fool Me Once for the lead. Apprentice Hanover got away in third and Vegas Vacation back fourth. Captive Audience dived to the cones and got the lead through a :26.1 first quarter. Fool Me Once edged out of the pocket heading down the backstretch and re-took the lead at the half. The half was clocked in :54 (:27.4). Captaintreacherous flushed out Vegas Vacation into the far turn. Fool Me Once was blazing his way to three-quarters, timed in 1:20.2 (:26.2).

Captaintreacherous gliding to a 1:48.3 score in the North
America Cup (New Image Photo)

Filion was heavily urging Fool Me Once down the stretch. Captive Audience was attempting to keep up and Captaintreacherous fanned off his fading cover and began picking off rivals one by one. He flew by everyone and with the awe of the crowd; Captaintreacherous won the North America Cup in 1:48.3. Twilight Bonfire came from the back to finish second and Wake Up Peter was third.

Captaintreacherous returned a generous $4.80 to win. Our selection in the North America Cup is owned by Captaintreacherous Racing, trained by Tony Alagna and Tim Tetrick drove Captaintreacherous; sweeping the sophomore pacing events and won his first North America Cup. 

"Today I was second over, but we were still three or four lengths off the leaders turning for home and they were pacing strong," Tetrick said. "I put a lot of confidence in my colt. When I called on him, he did his job."

"They have to want to do it, they have to want to be champions and put their nose out in front, He doesn't always win by much, but he gets the job done when he's good," Tetrick said about Captaintreacherous. 

"Tim worked out a masterful trip and the horse showed up," trainer Tony Alagna said. "Every time this horse gets a question mark he comes back and answers it with an exclamation mark."

I Luv The Nitelife in Fan Hanover Romp

CAMPBELLVILLE, ON – The filly equivalent to the North America Cup on the Mohawk stakes card, the Fan Hanover, was a showcase for Richard and Joanne Young’s I Luv The Nitelife, leaving the field in her wake and winning the $391,882 Fan Hanover in 1:49.1.

Jettin Jamie led the pack into the first turn, passed the quarter in :26. Jerseylicious got away in the pocket and was sent after Jettin Jamie for the lead. Jerseylicious cleared shortly passing three-eighths and I Luv The Nitelife was on her tail to apply pressure. I Luv The Nitelife cleared the lead passing the half in :54.1 (:28.1).

I Luv The Nitelife in her 1:50.4 elimination triumph

Love Canal took command of the two wide flow entering the far turn, carrying Belle Boyd up into contention. I Luv The Nitelife picked up the tempo at three-quarters in 1:21.4 (:27.3). She instantly gained separation on Jerseylicious, flattening out in second and Belle Boyd was closing well. I Luv The Nitelife was clear by about 5 lengths heading to the wire and stopped the timer in 1:49.1. Belle Boyd finished second, Jerseylicious held on to third and Love Canal had no room to pace, settling for fourth.

I Luv The Nitelife was the lukewarm public choice, returning $3.20 to win. She is owned by Richard and Joanne Young, trained by Chris Ryder and was driven by Tim Tetrick. Tim is the first driver to win the Fan Hanover two years in a row and has won the race a record three times. 

Maven Flies by Rivals in Armbro Flight Victory

CAMPBELLVILLE, ON – The first stake event on the North America Cup undercard went to Maven, as she fanned off cover into the stretch and surpassed all mares in front of her to win in 1:52.4.

China Pearls left the gate the quickest and set the fractions, with Cedar Dove getting away in second and Smarty Pants third. The public’s hope Maven was in fourth passing the quarter in :27.3. China Pearls began to rate on the lead, developing a two-wide flow to challenge. Intense America from fifth edged to the outside and waited for cover to follow. Maven was up to the task and began her first over route into the far turn. China Pearls was in control through a :56.1 (:28.3) half-mile.

China Pearls was still in the lead and was soon under the pressure of Cedar Dove, as she tipped first over at the three-quarter pole. Maven had to fan wide and Intense America, now third over, did not show any bid. Three-quarters was timed in 1:24.2 (:28.1).

Maven winning her Armbro Flight elimination in 1:52.4

Maven came off cover and exploded down the stretch. China Pearls was attempting to trot with the closers, but failed to do so. Cedar Dove gave chase to Maven and had to settle for second, while Bax Of Life from last closed to finish third and Mystical Starlight moved with her, finishing fourth.

Maven ($2.80) is owned by William Donovan, trained by Jonas Czernyson and was driven by Yannick Gingras. Maven is currently undefeated in her four-year-old campaign and is over the $1-million plateau with her win in the Armbro Flight.  

HarnessRaycer’s Picks June 15

This series can be up and rolling again, since my scholar activities are currently dormant with the coming of summer. This week’s bets are focused on Mohawk’s feature card, headlined by the $1-million North America Cup. The undercard of Canada’s signature race also provides us with value opportunities. Good luck to all!

BANKROLL: $330.70

Saturday, June 15

Mohawk Racetrack

Race 2 - $271,470 Armbro Flight Final (Mare Trotters)

(1) Intense America – She has shown great consistency in her last six starts, with her last two being the most dazzling of all. Against the best mares in Canada two starts back, she went gate-to-wire in 1:53, winning by 2 lengths. She tried to do that again in the eliminations, but lost by a length and a half to Maven. The daughter of Taurus Dream is riding on a big effort Saturday and could surprise the Mohawk crowd.

Plays: $5 win on 1, $4 exacta box 1,2,3            Cost: $29

Race 5 – $391,882 Fan Hanover Final (3yofp)

(1) Love Canal – She didn’t get to pace her race in the elimination with the nine-hole. She prefers to be towards the middle of the pack rather than in its rear. Nonetheless, she closed very well to finish fourth in 1:51.3, pacing a :25.4 final quarter. She should be placed near the lead with her draw and will be a menace to I Luv The Nitelife in the stretch drive.

Plays: $10 Across The Board on 1.            Cost: $30

Race 6 – NW $25,000 Last 5

(1) All Speed Hanover – This is his third start off of a two-year layoff and all he’s shown is improvement. Going up against tough company in the B-ranks at the Meadowlands and finished second in a sprint to the wire, after challenging first over through fast fractions. He’ll be very sharp from the rail and could put in a monster mile.

Plays: $10 win on 1     Cost: $10

Race 7 - $1,000,000 North America Cup Final (3yop)

(4) Captaintreacherous – The talented colt from the first crop of Somebeachsomewhere has shown many characteristics that his father showed on the racetrack. He may have seemed vulnerable to Captive Audience in the elimination, but is poised to get a perfect trip and kick into the stretch like he did in last year’s Metro pace.

Plays: $20 win 4 $10 exacta 4/6,8    Cost: $40

Race 8 – NW $9,200 Last 5

(3) Hilarious Halo – Drops in class after a disappointing effort against non-winners of $14,000. He’s won against this group before and should be placed on the lead and save some energy for the stretch.

Plays: $6 win on 3, $4 exacta 3/1,4,9,10            Cost: $22

Race 11 – $100,000 Mohawk Gold Cup Invitational Pace

(3) Ok Commander – He has beaten a majority of this field in previous starts and is one of the many horses with gate speed. He likes to get into a pocket when he can and since he is to the inside of most of the speed, that mission is possible.

Plays: $6 Across the Board on 3, $4 exacta 3/1,2,10                        Cost: $30

Total Cost: $161

BANKROLL: $169.70

Go big or go home! Good luck!

Captaintreacherous Headlines Star Sophomores in North America Cup

Tuesday afternoon at Mohawk Racetrack was flooded with owners, trainers, drivers and media, as the track was conducting the post position draw for Saturday night’s $1-million North America Cup final. The three elimination winners, Captaintreacherous, Fool Me Once and Vegas Vacation, got to pick their posts and a random fourth place finisher will be drawn by lot.

Below is the field.

PP-Horse Name-Driver-Trainer-Morning Line

1-Apprentice Hanover-Jody Jamieson-Ben Wallace-20-1

2-Vegas Vacation-Scott Zeron-Casie Coleman-5/2

3-Fool Me Once-Sylvain Filion-Mark Austin-4-1

4-Captaintreacherous-Tim Tetrick-Tony Alagna-2-1

5-Twilight Bonfire-David Miller-Dan Collins-30-1

6-Wake Up Peter-Ron Pierce-Tony Alagna-8-1

7-Sunshine Beach-Chris Chrisoforou-Mark Steacy-15-1

8-Odds On Equuleus-John Campbell-Robin Schadt-8-1

9-Captive Audience-Randall Waples-Collin Johnson-8-1

10-Martini Hanover-Dave Palone-Chris Ryder-25-1

Looking at the names participating in this year’s renewal of the North America Cup, it shows that this year’s sophomore crop is arguably the best in the last few years. This year’s group of eliminations also displayed the talent of these three-year-olds, as every elimination was clocked in 1:49 or faster, the first time in the history of the Cup. 

Captaintreacherous with the slight advantage over
Odds On Equuleus in the 2012 Metro Pace
(New Image Photo)

The 30^th edition of the North America Cup looks to be setting up similar to another signature race at Mohawk, the 2012 Metro Pace. Few may remember what occurred in that $1-million classic, so ahead is a brief summary. A fast pace was set up front because of a battle between Johny Rock and Vegas Vacation. Captaintreacherous ended up third over around the far turn and at three-quarters, which was paced in :28.3. Captaintreacherous fanned off his cover and took the lead from the briefly second-over Apprentice Hanover entering the eighth pole. Fourth over in the flow was Odds On Equuleus, who began chasing down Captaintreacherous approaching the wire. Captaintreacherous dug in and won the Metro in 1:49.2, pacing the final quarter in :27.1.

Some names from the freshman equivalent of the North America Cup have not appeared in this year’s final. Yet, it’s uncanny how the race sets up similarly to the Metro. The likely speed-demons of the Cup look to be Fool Me Once and Apprentice Hanover.

After two failed attempts to race off the pace, trainer Ben Wallace changed tactics with Apprentice Hanover and decided he wanted his colt to race from the front. He proved his speed in his elimination, battling for the lead through a quarter in :26.2 and a half in :54.1 (:27.4).

Fool Me Once under a firm grip by Sylvain Filion
winning his elimination in 1:48.1
(New Image Photo)

Fool Me Once was a monster on the front last week. Sylvain said he did not want the lead in a post-race interview, but Fool Me Once blazed through fractions of :26.2, :54.1 (:27.4) and 1:21.2 (:27.1) to kick home in :26.4, pacing the mile in 1:48.1. Since Fool Me Once was trapped in a pocket two weeks ago in the Somebeachsomewhere, expect Filion to be aggressive on the lead.

To top off the speed in this race, there are horses that like to brush to the lead later in the race. Both Vegas Vacation and Captaintreacherous race like that. Vegas will likely be put into a spot, where he can either pick up cover or make his pursuit to the lead after or at the half. Right behind him will likely be Captaintreacherous, since he starts from a more outside post. Vegas Vacation will make his move to a half timed near :53 and change, with the quarter going in the :26 range.

Captaintreacherous "flying" down the stretch to win
his North America Cup elim in 1:48.4
(New Image Photo)

We have not seen the power that Captaintreacherous holds. He greatly resembles the likes of his sire, Somebeachsomewhere, in the ease he shows making big moves. He’s shown the power he is capable of in many of the big dances, such as the Woodrow Wilson and Metro. Although he may not be the value we are looking for on the win ticket, he is an almost certain winner of the Cup, the full-certainty is not on him, as it is horse racing. The value will be within the exotics.

The closers in this field, consisting of Wake Up Peter, Captive Audience and Odds On Equuleus, will highlight the underneath-section of our exotics. For second, we’ll take Captaintreacherous’s main rival at two, Odds On Equuleus. He tried to race on the lead in the Somebeachsomewhere, which he was not capable of doing. Campbell then guided Odds On Equuleus to the back of the pack and closed to finish second to Vegas Vacation in his Cup elimination.

Also to be included in the exacta is Wake Up Peter. He competed against Fool Me Once, who paced the fastest of the three eliminations, going in 1:48.1. Wake Up Peter showed a tremendous amount of pace once he shook loose in the stretch, finishing second by 2 lengths with a :26.1 final quarter. He got lucky though, as the rail opened up for him. He cannot pace that kind of trip this week and likely won’t, as Pierce will be more aggressive with him. 

Starting Points Established for the 30th North America Cup

Tuesday afternoon at Mohawk Racetrack was flooded with owners, trainers, drivers and media, as the track was conducting the post position draw for Saturday night’s $1-million North America Cup final. The three elimination winners, Captaintreacherous, Fool Me Once and Vegas Vacation, got to pick their posts and a random fourth place finisher will be drawn by lot.

Below is the field.

PP-Horse Name-Driver-Trainer-Morning Line

1-Apprentice Hanover-Jody Jamieson-Ben Wallace-20-1

2-Vegas Vacation-Scott Zeron-Casie Coleman-5/2

3-Fool Me Once-Sylvain Filion-Mark Austin-4-1

4-Captaintreacherous-Tim Tetrick-Tony Alagna-2-1

5-Twilight Bonfire-David Miller-Dan Collins-30-1

6-Wake Up Peter-Ron Pierce-Tony Alagna-8-1

7-Sunshine Beach-Chris Chrisoforou-Mark Steacy-15-1

8-Odds On Equuleus-John Campbell-Robin Schadt-8-1

9-Captive Audience-Randall Waples-Collin Johnson-8-1

10-Martini Hanover-Dave Palone-Chris Ryder-25-1

More later.