Mohawk: State Treasurer fourth in seasonal debut

State Treasurer, who won Canada's O'Brien Award for Horse of the Year in 2015, made his 2016 debut on Saturday night at Mohawk in the $34,000 preferred pace, and he would finish fourth to Nickle Bag in a 1:49 mile.

Coming in off a mile that was timed in 1:49 4/5 at the Southern Oaks Training Center on April 15, State Treasurer (Chris Christoforou) was sent off as the even-money favorite. He managed to work out a second-over trip while Nickle Bag set fractions of 26, 54 3/5, and 1:22 3/5.

In the stretch State Treasurer was brought to the outside, and although he paced his final quarter in 26 4/5, he wound up beaten five lengths by Nickel Bag, who kicked home in 26 2/5. Mohawk Warrior and The Rev were second and third, respectively, a quarter of a length ahead of State Treasurer.

Trained by Dr. Ian Moore, State Treasurer is a 39-time winner. A 7-year-old son of Real Desire, he has earned over $1.8 million.