Grand Circuit for two-year-olds underway at Mohawk

MILTON, ON – June 27, 2024 – Wicked N Single (McWicked) and Incantation (Muscle Mass) became the first two-year-old Grand Circuit winners of 2024 in Thursday’s (June 27) Tompkins-Geers Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Administrated by the Hambletonian Society, the long-standing Tompkins-Geers for two-year-olds was moved to Woodbine Mohawk Park for the first time this year.

Wicked N Single rallied by rivals with a :27 final-quarter to win the $46,845 Tompkins-Geers for two-year-old pacing fillies.

Driven by James MacDonald, Wicked N Single took back to last in the field of six to watch how things played out. Saddlebags got to the lead ahead of Charlotte Station at a :27.3 opening-quarter. Heavy-favourite Famous Fast Words brushed to the lead from third to hit the half in :56.3 before catching a :30.2 breather.

Wicked N Single started advancing around the far turn and sat in behind Saddlebags at the head of the lane. The Tony Beaton trained Wicked N Single swung out wide and surged by all to win in 1:54.3.

Charlotte Station pushed up the rail to finish second by a length and a half. Famous Fast Words was third, while Saddlebags was fourth.

WICKED N SINGLE REPLAY

“I was waiting to sit behind her, she was exciting to qualify,” said MacDonald post-race. “She’s a big strong filly, perfect gait, perfect mouth just like 99 per cent of Tony (Beaton’s). I just kind of settled in and let her do her thing. I knew she was going to give me a big kick finishing.”

Wicked N Single was making her career debut on Thursday after a pair of winning qualifiers. She quickly racks up $23,422 for owners Lisa LeFort and David Mercer.

Wicked N Single paid $9.50 to win.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob McIntosh sent out Incantation (Muscle Mass) to a 1:57.3 win in the $53,123 Tompkins-Geers for two-year-old trotting fillies.

Race-favourite Monalishi made a break at the start to change outlook of the contest. The favourite’s stablemate Medley Seelster trotted out to command and led through fractions of :28.4, 1:00.1 and 1:29.4.

Sitting fifth through the opening-half, Incantation got under way for driver Sylvain Filion on the far turn. The duo would force Exquisite Taste to pop the two-hole ahead of the three-quarter pole.

In the stretch, Exquisite Taste would grab the lead briefly before making a mid-stretch break for the second consecutive start. This allowed Incantation to power by and win by 2 ½ lengths over Medley Seelster.

Bright Green finished third, while Sister Sara was fourth.

INCANTATION REPLAY

“It was a great effort, Sylvain (Filion) did give her a great drive,” said McIntosh. “I’ve liked this filly all along…she’s been a beautiful, gaited thing since day one. We made a couple of adjustments and it seemed to pay off.

A homebred, Incantation now has a win, a mark of 1:57.3 and $26,561 earned for Robert McIntosh Stables and Tyrone Valley Farm.

McIntosh noted his delight with the move of the Tompkins-Geers to Woodbine Mohawk Park.

“It’s a great thing for us here in Ontario and Canada…this is perfect.”

Surprising the betting public, Incantation paid $37.30 to win.

The Tompkins-Geers Stakes continue Friday night with rookie colts and geldings taking the spotlight. Post time for the 10-race card is 7:10 p.m.

To read about the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold divisions on the card, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mark McKelvie, for Woodbine Communications