Tonight, at Mohawk the Canadian Pacing Derby Eliminations will take place in races three and six. The top five finishers will qualify for the $615,000 final on September 2. The Canadian Pacing Derby began in 1936 and is the oldest race in Canadian harness racing. There are 16 older pacers looking to make it to the big dance next weekend. 

The two eliminations are deep in talent. There are six participants with lifetime earnings over $1,000,000 and two, Mach It So and All Bets Off have won over $2,000,000. It should be noted the Rene Allard trainee Keystone Velocity, with 2017 earnings of over $614,000 was a $40,000 supplemental entry. 

In other action at Mohawk, 21 two-year old pacing colts and geldings will take part in two divisions of the Nassagaweya Stakes. The other headliner on the card is the Eternal Camnation Stakes when 10 two-year old pacing fillies will do battle.

Last night at Hawthorne the posted 0.50 Late Pick 4 did connect as the 1-5-2-6 combination paid $144.75. The ticket cost was $54 so the profit was $90.75 . Driver Mike Oosting led all pilots with four trips to the winner's circle. As far as trainers, Terry Winemiller and Joe Anderson were credited with two wins each. 

The comments and selections below for the Canadian Pacing Derby Eliminations and three 2-year old Grand Circuit events are based on a fast track. 

Race 3 - Canadian Pacing Derby Elimination

2 - All Bets Off - Back on a bigger oval and starts in good spot to be forwardly placed and sweep by late.

1 - Nirvana Seelster - Has been freshened up a bit and the local connections could be set for a big try from the rail.

6 - Keystone Velocity - Having a great year but best work has been done at PcD. But, should be in position to hit the board.

Race 5 - Nassagaweya

8 - Declan Seelster - Impressive first start winner with quick last 1/2 in .54 looks like a major player.

5 - Dragon Time - Very consistent except for one break, could blast out and look to control the race. 

11 - Shadow Moon - Was caught by #8 in last, but has been great. Would be rated higher with a better post draw.

Race 6-Canadian Pacing Derby Elimination

1 - Sintra - Adds lasix and likes the track. May surprise the big guns and win at a square price.

7 - Check Six - Winner of 2 in a row is razor sharp, but not sure how hard he will be used from the outside tonight. 

3 - McWicked - Hasn't been as good as advertised this year but thinking this is a spot to strut best stuff.

Race 8 - Eternal Camnation

9 - Percy Bluechip - Outstanding filly should be very tough and a real short price. 

3 - Kissin In The Sand - Handy youngster is versatile, has best shot to knock off the unbeaten #9 in this spot.

2 - Play The Bell - Has done best work on a 1/2 mile oval but from this post can hit the ticket at a square price.

Race 10 - Nassagaweya

7 - Summer Travel - Coleman trainee looks like a monster in the making, his race to lose.

5 - Hudson Phil - JMac should have this one in striking position for local connections. Can spice up the gimmicks at 12-1 ML.

3 - Trump That - Looking to another local 2-yr.old to use at a square price for gimmicks. 

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