Open Divisions Clash at Mohawk

By Frank and Ray Cotolo

(BC) denotes Breeders Crown eligible

Older competitors were in action at Mohawk Racetrack on Friday, Sept. 8, with mare pacers going in two eliminations for the Milton Stakes and older trotters in two eliminations for the Maple Leaf Trot. Then, on Saturday, Sept. 9, older pacers competed in the $225,000 Jim Ewart Memorial at Scioto Downs.

Pure Country (BC-Somebeachsomewhere) brushed to the lead after the half and advanced to a 1:50 win in the first elimination of the Milton over finalists L A Delight (BC-Bettors Delight), Lyons River Pride (BC-Somebeachsomewhere), Witch Dali, and Wrangler Magic (BC-Mach Three). Owned by Diamond Creek Racing, trained by Jimmy Takter, and driven by Mark Macdonald, she paid $2.90 to win.

Sitting the pocket, Blue Moon Stride (BC-Rocknroll Hanover) slid up the rail as pacesetter Lady Shadow (BC-Shadow Play) faltered and drifted, presenting a major upset in the second Milton elimination in 1:50 over Sandbetweenurtoes (BC-Somebeachsomewhere), Frost Damage Blues (BC-Western Ideal), Darlinonthebeach (BC-Somebeachsomewhere), and Lady Shadow. Owned by Emilio and Maria Rosati, trained by Mark Harder, and driven by David Miller, she paid $17.70.

Hannelore Hanover (BC-Swan For All) launched off cover to take the first elimination of the Maple Leaf Trot in 1:52 over Homicide Hunter, JL Cruze (BC-Crazed), Odds On Amethyst, and Pasithea Face S (BC-Muscle Hill). Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino, and Jerry and Theresa Silva Stables, trained by Ron Burke, and driven by Yannick Gingras, she paid $3.90 to win.

Mambo Lindy (BC-Donato Hanover) crept into contention behind a fast pace, surprising most in the second Maple Leaf Trot elimination at 26-1 in 1:52.2 as favorites Resolve (BC-Muscle Hill) and Marion Marauder (BC-Muscle Hill) missed getting into the final.

Windsun Revenge (BC-Kadabra), Gural Hanover (BC-Crazed), Musical Rhythm (BC-Cantab Hall) and Warrawee Roo (BC-Majestic Son) completed the top five. Owned by Greathorse, trained by Frank Antonacci, and driven by Tim Tetrick, Mambo Lindy paid $54.50 to win.

In the Jim Ewart Memorial, Mcwicked (BC-McArdle) flew into the mix off cover to catch late leader Rockin Ron in 1:49.3,with Boston Red Rocks (BC-Rocknroll Hanover) and Check Six (BC-Somebeachsomewhere) dead-heating for third. Leased by Edward James, trained by Casie Coleman, and driven by Brian Sears, he paid $8.60.