First round of New Holland taken by upsetters

The inaugural races of the New Holland Trotting Series went to a pair of upsetters on Monday (Mar. 6) at Woodbine Mohawk Park as the first leg kicked off with two $30,000 harness racing divisions.

Itstimetogohome (Creatine) was the far bigger shock in the opener. The James MacDonald-driven gelding exploded late to get up by a neck and capture the first split in 1:53.4. Toccoa Falls (Doug McNair) was second. Franks Angel (Bob McClure) completed the triactor. The winner returned $71.70.

ITSTIMETOGOHOME REPLAY

Itstimetogohome’s long odds were based in his winless status in five prior tries this season. He had hit the board only once. Overall, the he is 14-for-49 lifetime and has a $162,290 bankroll. Carmen Auciello became his trainer when owner Daniel Safarian acquired the five-year-old in February.

Ritson (Cantab Hall, Scott Young) ended a longer string of losses in the second division when he led at every pole to erase his 2023 goose egg in his ninth outing. He was two-and-a-quarter lengths the best in 1:53.3 over Dealin With Dewey. El Toro Loco (Chris Christoforou) gained the show placing when third-place finisher and favourite Locatelli (MacDonald) was tossed for a pylon violation.

RITSON REPLAY

It was Ritson’s 10th lifetime victory in 64 outings, and it swelled his coffers to $286,404. Shawn Steacy conditions the five-year-old stallion for Mark Steacy of Lansdowne, Hudson Standardbred Stable of Hudson, Dale Larson of Kent City, and Stephen Downey of Quispamsis. Ritson has not won in his first eight tries of the year but racked up five place finishes.

The second leg of the trotting side of the series is set for Monday, Mar. 13, and the $60,000A final will go forward on Mar. 25. The pacers will begin their New Holland Series on Mar. 11 with the second round and final spaced a week apart.

The next card at Woodbine Mohawk Park features the celebration of International Women’s Day with two races for female drivers. First post is set for 7:00 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink