J-Mac nabs five

Harness racing driver James MacDonald was once again dominant at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday (Nov. 1), picking up five victories on the 11-race card.

The reigning three-time Driver of the Year was shut out in the first two but got on the board in the third by sending Stonebridge Halo (Captain Crunch) on a speed mission. The filly went all the way in a three-quarter-length win in 1:51. It was her first victory since May and fourth lifetime in 22 starts.

STONEBRIDGE HALO REPLAY

MacDonald doubled up with Perfect Angel (Trixton, 1:57.3) in the fourth off a second-over trip. He completed the triple in race seven as Stonebridge Drama (Camluck) prevailed in a front-end duel, drifting heavily late but defeating Mending Fences (Doug McNair) by a neck in 1:54.2.

Wickedwoman De Vie (Mcwicked) gave MacDonald the grand slam as she surged past rivals down the stretch to win in 1:55. The Nick Gallucci-trained filly was making her second start since returning from a year off.

MacDonald tallied his final win in the 10th, driving Mvps Daughter (My Mvp) for the first time and guiding her to victory in her Mohawk debut. The sophomore filly rallied from 10 lengths back at the top of the lane, out-sprinting Eternally Hanover (Trevor Henry) to win by a half-length in 1:55.2. It was a new mark for the Jean-Francois Maguire-trained filly.

MVPS DAUGHTER REPLAY

MacDonald has amassed 383 wins this year and a career-best $11.3 million in earnings from 1,753 starts. He leads the Woodbine Mohawk Park drivers’ standings by more than 100 wins.

Racing continues at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:10 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink