Six for MacDonald

A six-win night signaled a strong beginning to another season for harness racing driver James MacDonald, who dominated at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday (Dec. 4).

MacDonald, coming off his second straight 400-win year at the track, took the first two races with King Fury (Chapter Seven, 1:58) in the first and Golides Rockin (Rockin Image, 1:54) in the second.

He returned to the winner’s circle in the fifth after piloting Gypsy Merlot (Feelin Friskie) to a wire-to-wire victory in 1:56.1. The grand slam came courtesy of Hillbilly Jet (Ponder), who MacDonald rallied from the pocket to get up by a neck in 1:55.

MacDonald took his fifth with Hestonator (Heston Blue Chip) with a brush to the lead in the third quarter. The gelding held on by a nose over Stars Treasure (Tyler Borth) for a second lifetime win in 1:54.

The reinsman completed a bookending of the card as he snagged his sixth victory in the finale with Mcvera (Mcardle). He put the mare on top from the pocket in the second quarter, and she maintained the lead all the way home to a two-length victory in 1:54.4.

MCVERA REPLAY

MacDonald is eight-for-20 in the new year after two cards of action. The driver went 431-for-2,046 last season and won 400 at Woodbine Mohawk Park alone. He also topped $10 million in seasonal earnings for the first time in his career.

Racing continues at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday, Jan. 5 at 7:10 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink