Wheels On Fire stays hot

Wheels On Fire extended his win streak to three on Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park with a $34,000 Preferred Pace victory in his return to the harness racing oval after a spell at The Meadowlands.

The gelding slipped into the pocket from post four for opening quarter cover, but driver Doug McNair re-engaged Wheels On Fire passing the quarter in :27.3 and sent the him marching to the front. Wheels On Fire completed his brush quickly and produced :56.4 and 1:24.4 middle panels as the leader.

McNair called on Wheels On Fire for addition pace on the home turn with Real Surreal (Sylvain Fillion) breathing down his neck and got it. Wheels On Fire paced home the stronger of the two and earned his visit to victory lane in 1:51.2.

Hail Christian N (Chris Christoforou) barreled up late for second and finished a length behind. Real Surreal had to settle for show. The winner paid $2.60.

WHEELS ON FIRE REPLAY

Wheels On Fire is now 28-for-79 lifetime and six-for-nine in 2021. The six-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere has made $482,523 in his career. Richard Moreau trains for Brad Grant of Milton. The horse’s last two victories came in Meadowlands Preferred contests during the shutdown of Ontario harness racing.

James MacDonald also caught fire on Saturday evening with a grand slam. He started the day in the winner’s circle with Mary Kat (1:51.3) after the first, then won with Uhtred (1:50), Refi (1:54.3), and finished the night a winner with Beyond Better (1:52) in the finale. Uhtred’s mile was the fastest of the season so far at Mohawk Park after two race dates.

Trainer Carmen Auciello had the best day among conditioners – he won with Uhtred, Hes Swift (1:51.2), and Undrthsouthrnsun N (1:52.1).

Woodbine Mohawk Park returns on Monday, Jun. 14 with a 10-dash program that features another $34,000 Preferred. Racing will begin at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink