Woodbine Mohawk Park: Green Manalishi stars in William Wellwood Memorial

Green Manalishi put on an impressive display, manhandling his rivals to capture the C$400,000 William Wellwood Memorial for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The colt by Muscle Hill romped as the 3-5 public choice for driver Tim Tetrick and trainer Marcus Melander.

With Union Forces and Swandre The Giant leaving outside of him, Tetrick elected to wait with Green Manalishi through the first turn. Swandre The Giant had the lead in a 28 2/5 quarter when Tetrick made his move. While in gear, pocket-sitter Union Forces miscued, but that didn't stop Tetrick from gaining the front in 57 1/5.

Once on the lead Tetrick kept to a solid clip, and that proved a good decision as Swandre The Giant broke on the final turn, allowing the winner all the freedom he would need. Though White Tiger came at Green Manalishi into the stretch, that bid was short-lived as the expensive colt owned by Courant Inc. drew clear under a steady urge by Tetrick to complete the mile in 1:53 4/5, a career-best in just his sixth lifetime start.

Smart As Hill, trained by Wellwood's daughter Paula, rallied for second, just nipping Okeanos on the wire, with Kings County and Southwind Avenger picking up the last two checks.

"I just wanted to get through the first turn," said Tetrick before moving his horse to the front. "He's like an 8-year-old to drive."

Trainer Marcus Melander said that Green Manalishi would go to Lexington next week to prepare for Grand Circuit action.

"He's eligible in Lexington, The Breeders Crown and The Valley Victory," said Melander,