Woodbine Mohawk Park: Wicked N Single, Incantation best in Tompkins-Geers

Wicked N Single and Incantation became the first 2-year-old Grand Circuit winners of 2024 in Thursday's Tompkins-Geers Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Administrated by the Hambletonian Society, the long-standing Tompkins-Geers for 2-year-olds was moved to Woodbine Mohawk Park for the first time this year.

Wicked N Single rallied by rivals with a 27 second final quarter to win the C$46,845 Tompkins-Geers for pacing fillies. Driven by James MacDonald, Wicked N Single took back to last in the field of six to watch how things played out. Saddlebags got to the lead ahead of Charlotte Station at a 27 3/5 opening-quarter, and then heavy favorite Famous Fast Words brushed to the lead from third to hit the half in 56 3/5 before catching a 30 2/5 breather.

Wicked N Single started advancing around the far turn and sat in behind Saddlebags at the head of the lane. The Tony Beaton-trained Wicked N Single then swung out wide and surged by all to win in 1:54 3/5. Charlotte Station pushed up the rail to finish second by a length and a half. Famous Fast Words was third, while Saddlebags was fourth.

"I was waiting to sit behind her; she was exciting to qualify," said MacDonald post-race. "She's a big strong filly, perfect gait, perfect mouth just like 99 per cent of Tony (Beaton's). I just kind of settled in and let her do her thing. I knew she was going to give me a big kick finishing."

A daughter of McWicked, Wicked N Single was making her career debut on Thursday after a pair of winning qualifiers. She quickly racked up C$23,422 for owners Lisa LeFort and David Mercer. Wicked N Single paid $9.50 to win.

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Hall of Fame trainer Bob McIntosh sent out Incantation to a 1:57 3/5 win in the C$53,123 Tompkins-Geers for trotting fillies.

Race favorite Monalishi made a break at the start to change outlook of the contest. The favorite's stablemate Medley Seelster trotted out to command and led through fractions of 28 4/5, 1:00 1/5 and 1:29 4/5. Sitting fifth through the opening-half, Incantation got under way for driver Sylvain Filion on the far turn. The duo would force Exquisite Taste to pop the two-hole ahead of the three-quarter pole.

In the stretch, Exquisite Taste would grab the lead briefly before making a mid-stretch break for the second consecutive start. This allowed Incantation to power by and win by 2 1/2 lengths over Medley Seelster. Bright Green finished third, while Sister Sara was fourth.

"It was a great effort, Sylvain (Flion) did give her a great drive," said McIntosh. "I've liked this filly all along...she's been a beautiful gaited thing since day one. We made a couple of adjustments and it seemed to pay off."

A homebred daughter of Muscle Mass, Incantation now has a win, a mark of 1:57 3/5 and C$26,561 earned for Robert McIntosh Stables and Tyrone Valley Farm.

McIntosh noted his delight with the move of the Tompkins-Geers to Woodbine Mohawk Park.

"It's a great thing for us here in Ontario and Canada...this is perfect."

Surprising the betting public, Incantation paid $37.30 to win.

The Tompkins-Geers Stakes continue Friday night with rookie colts and geldings taking the spotlight.

Thursday's program also included two C$95,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series races for sophomore trotting colts and geldings, with victories going to Myretirementdream (by Il Sogno Dream and bred by owner/trainer Eli Wagler) in 1:54 1/5 for driver Jody Jamieson and Northern Looker (by Muscle Mass and bred by Northfields Farm Inc.) in 1:54 for driver Trevor Henry, trainer Camilla Christoforou and owners Charalambos Christoforou and Irvann Holdings Inc.

--edited press release (Woodbine Mohawk Park)--