The majority of the betting public was bang on with its assessment of Major Athens’ chances of winning Monday’s $24,000 feature trot at Mohawk Racetrack, as the Jeff Gillis pupil blew away the competition in a sharp clocking of 1:53.3.
Major Athens got away third and watched Big Rich and April Rose battle to the quarter pole in :28.2. April Rose worked her to the lead in the backstretch, and as soon as she cleared Jody Jamieson had Major Athens on the move off the rail.
Major Athens brushed to the lead and rocketed through middle fractions of :56.1 and 1:24.3 before using a closing panel of :29 en route to posting the win by six lengths over Cash For Gold. Taking home the show dough was April Rose.
Jeff Gillis trains the seven-year-old son of Andover Hall-Miss Athens, who was sent off as the 2-5 favourite, for owner Howard Taylor of Philadelphia, PA. The classy campaigner is 2-for-8 this season and 24-for-91 in his career. He’s quickly closing in on $700,000 in lifetime earnings.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.