Milton, ON – Wrong Sounds Right, with Todd McCarthy driving, set the stakes and track record, and equaled the world record in the Grade 1 Mohawk Million, Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The seventh renewal of the marquee race once again put the spotlight on a standout crop of 2-year-old trotters, with the Million living up to its billing as one of the year’s must-see showcases.
Access Now roared to the lead from the outside post 10, while Wrong Sounds Right also got away sharply, settling into second, followed by Seven Pledges and Nevis Peak, who was carried wide into the first turn and marched onward through a lively opening quarter in :26.3.
Nevis Peak found the front and took his rivals through a half in :55.2, with Access Now sitting second and Wrong Sounds Right, the 2-5 choice, waiting for his cue from McCarthy, while Seven Pledges watched the proceedings from fourth.
Soon after the half, Wrong Sounds Right was on the move, going first-up, looking every bit confident and comfortable as he set his sights on the leader.
The son of Tactical Landing out of the Broadway Hall mare Broadway Jo Ell then took center stage, gliding effortlessly to the lead shortly after three-quarters in 1:23.4.
In full control in upper stretch, Wrong Sounds Right continued to trot with authority down the lane, while a game Access Now looked to collar the heavy favorite but to no avail.
At the wire, Wrong Sounds Right, trained by Jim Campbell, was a three-length winner. Access Now held on for second, D A Johnny Cash was third and Nevis Peak finished fourth.
The final time was a blistering 1:51.1. The previous stakes record for the Mohawk Million was 1:51.4, set by Apex in last year’s event.
“I loved him straight away,” said McCarthy. “He’s just been such a gentleman and a professional from the get-go, and he’s always just showed so much stamina and speed, and they’re pretty special these ones when you get to come across him.
“He’s just smart. You know, he’ll sit on a helmet, or you can move him, do what you want. And he’s all class. He just does whatever you ask him. He’s a pleasure to drive.”
It was the first Mohawk Million win for McCarthy.
“This is such a prestigious race to win. Any race you’re going for a million dollars, it’s pretty amazing to get involved.”
Bred and owned by Scott Farber’s Runthetable Stables, Wrong Sounds Right entered the Million courtesy of the slot originally held by Courant Inc.
“He was no drama training down, and I got to give kudos to my assistant Manny Quevedo,” said trainer Jim Campbell. “He worked with the colt all winter. He just wasn’t able to make it up here tonight, but Manny did a terrific job with the horse and everything that he does. You know, it’s a team effort, but kudos to Manny. He told Scott a few months ago, ‘I think he got a good one here.’
“As long as everything’s good, he comes out of it good, a Breeders Crown elimination will be his next start.”
In his start prior to the Million, Wrong Sounds Right stopped the teletimer in a then career-best 1:51.4 in the New Jersey Classic on Sept. 11.
With tonight’s win, the bay colt is now 5-1-0 from seven starts.
“The thing that I’m most proud of, to be honest with you, is two weeks ago I shot my mouth off a little bit after the New Jersey Classic, and I said that this is the best 2-year-old in America,” said Farber. “I realized that we’re going to have to go down and face a pretty good one in the Breeders Crown, but I’m telling you right now, I’m going to stand by it. To me, this is the best 2-year-old in America, and I guess it all comes down to the Breeders Crown, like they say.
“It’s an honor to be here, and I thank the country of Canada for having us.”
Wrong Sounds Right paid $2.80 for the win.
To watch the race replay, click here.