Jokic breaks Canadian record

Jokic (Cantab Hall) became the fastest two-year-old trotting gelding in Canadian harness racing history in his 1:54.1 victory at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday (Oct. 13).

The gelding travelled fifth through the early panels of :27.4 and :57.1 and charged first-over going into the final turn for Tyler Jones. Leader Shesundertheradar (Louis-Philippe Roy) blitzed through three-quarters in 1:25.2, and Jokic rallied to fourth as they entered the lane.

Jokic hit top speed in mid-stretch and flew from fourth to first in the final eighth of a mile, nabbing How The Hell (James MacDonald) at the line to score by a neck.

Shesundertheradar held third over the closing Kenogami Rebel (Chris Christoforou) and survived an inquiry to keep the position.

JOKIC REPLAY

Jokic’s time pipped the previous record of 1:54.2 set by Hp Royal Theo in the 2019 William Wellwood Memorial.

Dustin Jones trains Jokic. The record-breaking win was the gelding’s second in nine tries. He has earned $58,398 for Dean Lockhart of Collingwood, who bought him for $32,000 at the Harrisburg sale.

The Harvest Series for Ontario-sired two-year-old colts and geldings of each gait also began on the card.

The Hazelton (Muscle Mass) made up six positions with a final-quarter surge to take the first division for trotters in 1:57 for driver Bob McClure. The colt is now two-for-three with $16,500 in earnings for trainer Mark Etsell, who co-owns him with Terry Devos, Graham Hopkins, and Peter Porter. The group bought him for $33,000 at the Lexington Select sale.

THE HAZELTON REPLAY

He Will (Muscle Mass) notched a fourth straight win in a dominant performance, beating the second-division field by five-and-a-quarter lengths in 1:57.1. MacDonald steered the gelding for owner/trainer/breeder Bill Megens. It was He Will’s fifth win in 10 starts to date and increased his earnings total to $30,850.

HE WILL REPLAY

Slick N Quick (Sportswriter) jogged in the first division for pacers. His two-length win was timed in 1:53.2 for Roy. The colt, a $7,500 Ontario Select purchase, won his debut in the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots and is now two-for-eight with $31,168. Julie Walker conditions him for Fox Ridge Stable of Southington.

SLICK N QUICK REPLAY

Winmebak (Shadow Play) captured the final Harvest Series contest, the second division for trotters, in 1:53.3. MacDonald guided the colt to the three-and-three-quarter-length score. The Nick Gallucci trainee has won twice and earned $31,668 in five starts. Millar Farms of Stouffville bought him at the Harrisburg sale for $67,000.

WINMEBAK REPLAY

The Harvest Series for two-year-old males will continue with the second leg on Oct. 20 and conclude with a $40,000A final on Oct. 28.

Woodbine Mohawk Park’s next card features at $33,000 Fillies and Mares Open. The first of 10 races will go to the gate at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink