There were just five rivals for favoured Momas Son Byrne in the $32,000 Preferred 2 Pace on Saturday (July 29) at Woodbine Mohawk Park, but that certainly didn't equate to an easy trip to the winner's circle.
A field of six lined up in the featured event on Saturday night, with the public supporting Momas Son Byrne to the tune of 8-5 with Cadillac Bayama and Lawless Shadow not far behind at 2-1. Those three all played prominent roles in the proceedings.
Cadillac Bayama (Trevor Henry) was quickest off the car but Jonathan Drury pointed Momas Son Byrne to the top from post six and landed on the lead heading into the first turn. An honest :26.3 opener was followed by a challenge from Lawless Shadow (Tyler Moore) to keep the pace honest. After a :54 half, Lawless Shadow continued to apply pressure around the far turn and through a 1:21.2 third station but couldn't clear Momas Son Byrne. Turning for home, Lawless Shadow started to retreat but that provided room for the fresh threat in pocket-sitting Cadillac Bayama. Henry revved up his horse's engine for the stretch drive, and Drury hit the gas pedal in kind. Those two pacers sprinted for the wire, but Momas Son Byrne got there first -- a half length the best, with the mile timed in 1:49.1. Cadillac Bayama finished second with Lawless Shadow staying for third.
Carmen Auciello trains and Dan Sarafian of Unionville, Ont. owns Momas Son Byrne, a 15-time winner in his career with more than $210,000 in earnings. He paid $5.50 to win in his fourth seasonal score.
To view the results from the Saturday card of harness racing at Mohawk, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.