by Al CImaglia
August 29, 2026
Woodbine Mohawk Park has a loaded 12-race card. The headliner comes in Race 9, the Wellwood Memorial Trot with a $570,000 purse. The Spot Plays come in Race 5, Race 9, and Race 10. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 5 (8:29 PM EDT)
7-Bythemissal (4-1)-Missal has a big heart but the 7-year-old has had many hard miles and it's not easy tell how he will be feeling on Saturday night. But he raced big 2 and 3 back and was burned out into a 25.3 opening quarter last time. Now, meets a field it can beat if dialed on high. There is speed inside, but Yannick Gingras will probably have his foot through the floorboard and could land on the point. My guess is the 4-1 morning line might be low and has done well at Mohawk (9-3-2-1). Lastly, did set a lifetime mark of 146.4 on this oval last year.
7-4-2
Race 9 (10:07 PM EDT)
6-Ocean Storm (10-1) (10:07 PM EDT)-Won its debut at Tioga 2 back with a 57.1 back half. Then marched home in 55.1 in the Elim with a 27.1 last panel to come 3rd. Offers a nice price and Gingras could have this competitive colt closer to the lead turning for the wire. Has raced well in its first 2 races and it looks like there is a lot to like about the Capone trainee.
6-3-2
Race 10 (10:32 PM EDT)
5-Marscarpone (7/2)-Raced well to come 2nd to another Ian Moore pupil on 7-10 in its season debut at Mohawk. Broke its maiden at Mea in a snappy 151.4 and then raced evenly at PcD. Last time, was in tall cotton at Philly and broke. So, still has lessons to learn but will add points with the return to Wbsb and Scott Zeron being at the controls. Needs to be on its game to down the 2 program chalks (1-3) and will look for an aggressive drive once the wings fold at a square price.
5-2-1
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