So Much More excels in Mohawk Preferred

Woodbine Mohawk Park returned to harness racing life on Friday as a two-month government-mandated shutdown ended, and So Much More brushed and crushed in the $30,000 Preferred after a layoff of the same length.

James MacDonald, who spent the dry months driving at New York and Pennsylvania circuits, tucked the mare into fourth from post six. They remained in position through the opening quarter mile in :27.2, but MacDonald hit “go” passing three-eighths. The mare glided by her foes to take the lead as the field of six completed the half in :56.1.

So Much More sat on top through three-quarters in 1:24.4 and guided her rivals into the stretch. Ivana Flybye N (Jody Jamieson) attacked on the outside, and Karma Seelster (Doug McNair) attempted a rally along the pylons. Neither bettered the leader though, as Too Much More had more than required to complete her victory in 1:51.3.

Ivana Flybye N finished second as she nosed out Karma Seelster, who finished third. The winner paid $2.80.

SO MUCH MORE REPLAY

So Much More is a five-year-old Big Jim mare. She extended her winning streak that was put on hold in April to three, all of which were preferred events. Her career record now reads 34-for-71, and she has made more than $600,000 lifetime. Don Beatson of Granton trains and co-owns with Kenneth Beatson of Palgrave and Cole England of Exeter.

Amini and McNair were the first winners of Mohawk’s restart as they went first-up from the three-hole coming around the far turn, and the horse outpaced her opponents in the stretch for a 1:52.4 score.

AMINI REPLAY

Richard Moreau trains the horse, a sophomore Sportswriter filly owned by David Morgan of Hamilton. Amini is now five-for-15 in her career with more than $60,000 made.

MacDonald and McNair recorded driving doubles on the night.

Woodbine Mohawk Park will return on Saturday, Jun. 12 with 11 races, including a $34,000 Preferred Pace. That card will begin at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Campbellville, ON oval will then move to a racing schedule of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The Ontario government recently lifted COVID-19 restrictions that were imposed on Apr. 3. Mohawk Park is currently operating without spectators and has implemented strict safety protocols for horsepeople.

For race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink