James Macdonald scores five at Woodbine Mohawk Park

James Macdonald booked himself five trips to the winner’s circle Friday (Mar. 1) evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. He didn’t waste any time and won the first three races on the card.

Macdonald started things off with Angostura Hanover (Betting Line) in the first race. Although the four-year-old mare was the betting favourite, she found herself in an early hole and was forced to sit sixth as the field went into the first turn. There was no immediate urgency from MacDonald as the duo sat there comfortably as the pacesetter Glenboro went by the quarter mark in 26.4. Angostura Hanover made her move at the half-mile station, but she had some traffic in front of her. It wasn’t until the stretch she could find room and challenge for the lead. It took a 26.4 last quarter to get the job done and a finish time of 1:52.0.

ANGOSTURA HANOVER REPLAY

Macdonald had a very similar trip in the second with Margosgotthecargo (Big Jim). The three-year-old filly was able to find space in sixth and she also was comfortable sitting there. The early pace setter, Premier Delight set fractions of 26.4, 56.1 and 1:24.4. It wasn’t until deep stretch that Premier Delight was caught by the field and Margosgotthecargo went storming by to capture the victory. A 27.0 last quarter was enough to make it a comfortable win.

MARGOSGOTTHECARGO REPLAY

Macdonald would complete the natural hat trick in the third with Wildcat Star (Bettors Delight). It would be another come-from-behind win. Kele Kele charged off the gate for the early lead setting a 27.1 opening quarter. Chiefs Dream Girl was caught out wide and forced to take the lead after the first quarter and she led until the three-quarter mark. Wildcat Star started her attack at the half-mile station and slowly moved her way up to challenge the leader. It wasn’t much of a battle as Wildcat Star went sailing on down the stretch and won by four lengths.

WILDCAT STAR REPLAY

Macdonald would add wins with Catch My Breath (Thinking Out Loud) in the sixth and Spicy Red Head (Prayer I Am) in the eighth. He had a total of 73 wins on the year and he is quickly approaching the $1 million mark in earnings. Macdonald is coming off his best year where he ended with 430 wins and $10,303,647 in winnings.

Racing resumes at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, Mar. 2 at 7:10 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Trey Colbeck, for Harnesslink