Woodbine Mohawk Park has a loaded 12-race card. The headliners are the Canadian Pacing Derby with a $540,000 purse that rolls in Race 8, and the Maple Leaf Trot with a $600,000 purse goes in Race 10. The 0.20 Late Pick 5 starts in Race 6, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6 (9:23 PM EST)

3-Highland Kismet (4/5)-The Mark Etsell pupil has won 5 of 6 at Mohawk and finished 2nd in the other race after missing a start due to a sick scratch. Finished 2nd in the Hambo Final on 8-3 and tuned up for this race with a 153.0 win in a qualifier on 8-23. Qualified without hopples, will race that way on Saturday and should have his way with this field.

Race 7 (9:48 PM EST)

2-Stonebridge Wizard (4-1)-Beaten 3/2 chalk likes to race near the top of the stack and worked hard to get there last time. Didn't have any pop in the last part of the mile. Will look for a more efficient trip and a rebound effort.
5-Fifth And Five (3-1)-Shows good speed and comes off a nice effort from the 8-hole but faded down the lane. Took control off the gate and the post relief tonight could be the winning difference.
7-Century Lucifer (9/2)-Broke stride from the 9-hole at the start last time and lost all chance. Did win 2 of the 3 previous races. Could offer a square price and is a threat if gets off the gate and lands in a close-up seat.
9-Boxer Seelster (5/2)-Got an efficient trip and turned that into a big check at 9-1 in a Nassagaweya Stakes. The post helps the price, comes back in sequence, and doesn't need to lead every step of the way to post a win.

Race 8 (10:17 PM EST)

1-Oakwood Ardan IR (3-1)-Not sure drawing the 1-hole helps chances. But if Andy McCarthy can work the right trip the Sweet Lou 5-year-old can close like a jet. Shouldn't be pace compromised and best to respect.
6-Abuckabet Hanover (5/2)-On paper this looks like the winner with a smooth trip. Has won 7 of 16 races at Wbsb and Dexter Dunn could be taking another picture tonight.
7-Seven Colors (15-1)-Looking for a price to spice up the payout and landed on Abuckabet's stablemate. Does have only 1 win in 9 starts this year but JMac should have in play at the 3/4's pole. If they go fast enough early on the younger of the Andrew Harris entries could give you a run for your money.
11-Taurasi (4-1)-Could make the race very interesting if gets near the top of the stack early on. Likes to take control but can also roll late. Could have more than a punchers chance despite the post draw if finds some inside speed to follow when the wings fold. This won't be easy, but Doug McNair knows how to get the job done.

Race 9 (10:43 PM EST)

5-P L Ozzy (9/2)-Makes the 2nd start for the Fellows barn and did show good early speed last time leaving from post 8. JMac steers again, could benefit from the post relief and land in a close-up seat when the wings fold. Has won 6 of 24 races at Wbsb and should offer a fair price.
6-Mr Ibiza N (3-1)-Gets a positive driver change with McNair between the pipes. Did win the last time that pilot steered on 6-8 and beat better than this. Raced well in last and will look for the upswing to continue.
10-Stockade Seelster (7/2)-Offers value at 7/2 but not sure that price holds up even with the post draw. This is the 3rd start off a sick scratch and Louie Roy should have the pedal down off the gate. It could be picture time if lands in good shape by the opening turn.

Race 10 (11:12 PM EST)

5-Periculum (9/5)-Did get a nice trip in the Maple Leaf Elim but best to not diminish the performance by the Marcus Melander pupil. Trotted the back half in 55.1, could get the same trip here and the fractions should be lively again. Will look for Scotty Zeron to be close to the leader around the last turn and fly by down the lane.

$1.00 Late Pick 5

3/2,5,7,9/1,6,7,11/5,6,10/5
Total Bet=$48

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