McClure slam highlights Mohawk card

Harness racing driver Bob McClure quadrupled in Thursday (Apr. 20) action at Woodbine Mohawk Park, including a natural hat trick to start the evening.

He got the most out of Overpayment (Nuncio) in the opener. He moved the mare out from fourth past five-eighths, lifted her past leader Fox Valley Ontario (Tyler Borth), and kept her trotting despite bad steps near the wire to hold off two closers and score in 1:57.4. It was the first career win and Canadian debut for Overpayment. The colt raced twice in 2022 at two, finishing second twice in Lexington. The Mohawk start also signalled the start of his 2023 campaign for trainer Kyle Bossence and owner Stephen Palermo.

OVERPAYMENT REPLAY

McClure then guided Nimah Franco N (Tintin In America) to victory in the second. He rallied the mare from three-wide from the pocket in mid-stretch, and the mare fired past the duelling leaders to win in 1:52.2. Katelyn Graham trains the nine-year-old, who is now 20-for-131 lifetime, for Steve Mihalic.

NIMAH FRANCO N REPLAY

Lindys Irishcream (Father Patrick) completed the triple for McClure. The filly began a first-over mission at the half and saw it through, taking over at the eighth pole and rolling to a two-length victory in 1:55.4. It was the filly’s 2023 debut. She alternated between the U.S. and Canada last season and finished it off with a pair of tallies in Pennsylvania. Blake Macintosh trains the three-year-old and shares ownership with Tim Klemencic.

LINDYS IRISHCREAM REPLAY

McClure knocked in his fourth with style, as he steered Lite The Candles (Muscle Mass) to a seven-and-three-quarter-length romp in the gelding’s career debut. The three-year-old Shawn Steacy trainee took a first mark of 1:57.3 with the win. Hudson Standardbred Stable and Bridle Path Stables co-own and co-bred the gelding.

LITE THE CANDLES REPLAY

McClure has 55 wins in 382 starts this season and is fourth in the drivers’ standings at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The next card on Friday, Apr. 21 at Woodbine Mohawk Park features the second leg of the Ontario-sired Graduate Series for both the pacing mares and the open trotters. The racing will start at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink