It’s not easy picking a favorite race from tonight’s Mohawk card. It’s like ordering at a Chinese restaurant---there are simply too many appealing choices.
Of course, the big show is the Maple Leaf Trot because of the race’s prestige and because the top-ranked horse in the game is the heavy pre-race favorite. Lucky Jim is odds-on to continue his incredible streak this year. Everyone thinks that he’ll have an off night sooner or later and get beat because it defies belief to think he can just keep on rolling like Old Man River. Will tonight be the night?
It is ironic indeed that Trond Smedshammer had Lucky Jim last year when the horse couldn’t seem to do anything right, and this year Smedshammer must race his prize trotter Arch Madness against the unbeaten Lucky Jim. But Arch is in top form and he’s the defending Maple Leaf champ, so I think we’re gonna see a dandy race.
I wouldn’t overlook Triton Sund from Sweden, despite his start from post 10. I’ve seen him race in the past and he’s quite a horse and his driver, Orjan Kihlstrom, is one of the craftiest in Europe. Triton Sund could be a stalker and come roaring down the stretch to spring an upset. You heard it here first.
Of course, with $720,500 up for grabs, all the horses and drivers will be hell-bent-for-leather to get a piece of the purse. Even a “minor check” is not so minor when you’re racing for that kind of money.
In addition to the Maple Leaf, you’ve got the Armbro Flight, the Roses Are Red, Canadian Breeders Championships, a couple great Opens, and much more. What a terrific night to go to the track!