by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — Trainer Tim Pinske finds himself in a good position heading into Saturday night’s (July 7) second leg of the Summertime Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Mohawk Racetrack.

He will send out three starters, two of whom scored victories in last week’s C$18,000 divisions. The veteran conditioner weighed in on all three colts during Friday’s qualifying session at Mohawk.

“It’s been a very good start to the season for American Gold, but it will be a bit tougher from post 10 this week,” admitted Pinske. “But, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet — not the way he fought them off the other night.”

American Gold scored last week in 1:52.1 to run his current unbeaten streak to four. Pinske is not surprised at the early season success he has had with the son of Allamerican Ingot, despite the fact he was unraced at age two.

“I had really high expectations for him coming into the season because he was such a good 2-year-old training down,” recalled Pinske. “Unfortunately he broke a P-1 (bone) in a hind leg that ended his season before it started. But, he always trained down like a good horse. We just had to give him stall rest and lots of time to get over it and so far, so good.”

American Gold will join stablemate Sun Moon N Stars as part of a betting entry in Saturday night’s opening division, with the latter starting from post five.

Pinske admits Sun Moon N Stars does not show as much talent at this point as his other two starters, but says he holds a bit of a soft spot.

“He’s not as flashy as the other two,” he said. “He’s just kind of a grinder and he seems to get the job done. He’s feeling awfully good right now. I jogged him this morning and he’s just full of himself. We’re hoping for good things from him this week, but he needs to get out in the flow to be effective.”

Santo Hanover won his second straight race for Pinske in last week’s first leg as he stopped the clock in 1:52.3. The trainer reports that the colt has taken a while to put it all together.

“He’s had a few little manner problems,” he said. “He’s just a busy little fella. He makes a big deal out of everything. If someone even drops a coffee cup in front of him, he’s got to look at it. We’ve just been educating him and hopefully he’s starting to overcome these issues.”

“I guess in humans, they’d label it ADD and that’s what he has,” he joked. “I am going to miss Jody (Jamieson) on him this weekend, but Mark (MacDonald) drove him a few times last year and I’m sure he’ll get along fine. I’ve staked him a little more aggressively. He’s got some open stuff up here and Lexington in the Fall.”

Santo Hanover will start from post eight this week in the second division.

Saturday’s two Summertime splits are scheduled as races four and seven on the 13-race program. First race post time is at 7:20 p.m.