Harness Racing: Mohawk stakes plays for Sept. 17-18

CANADIAN TROTTING DERBY

Saturday's $606k Canadian Trotting Derby is a good betting race since hometown hero Fashion Frenzie returns looking for three straight feature events and is worth betting against.

Although leaving from post 10, serious contention looms from Winning Ticket. The Christopher Beaver trainee blew the field of $300k state-breds away on the Northfield half-mile surviving a three-horse duel for the top—with him in front on the outside. He could be stupendous at Mohawk without getting the top early and will be a price worth betting.

More danger for “Frenzie” comes from Ake Svanstedt’s Fly Light. He finished best of the rest, five lengths behind Captain Corey (end of story). We would toss out Frenzie for the price of that exacta without hesitation.

The others are moot and must race in pursuit of a moment when unexpected opportunity defeats the aforementioned; unlikely and unpredictable.

ARMBRO FLIGHT

Friday's $233k Armbro Flight tests Manchego further this season with an outside start and her toughest challenger, Atlanta, leaving directly to her left. As well, the 2021 fireball When Dovescry gets to leave from the comfortable four hole with three of the division’s lesser opponents crowding the inside posts. 

Bret Pelling’s schooling has brightened When Dovescry’s presence as a mature trotter, and in this spot she may find her trip easier than her Miss Versatility win on Sept. 3. Much like Atlanta, “Dovescry” can glide and charge late with benefit and with Manchego’s desire to take charge early, it should be this pair in a stretch duel for the win. Atlanta may turn into the price play.

Sorella and Hypnotic AM have been quiet in the division, the latter going off at 101-1 in the Maple Leaf final. Notes on the three on the inside would not encourage anyone to back them; their posts are sadly the best they have going for them.