by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Columbus, OH — Meadowlands Pace and North America Cup winner Well Said won a qualifying race at Mohawk Racetrack on Friday (Sept. 4) in a time of 1:51.4.

With regular driver Ron Pierce in the bike for trainer Steve Elliott, the Western Hanover-Must See sophomore got away second in an opening quarter of :28.4, then brushed to the lead on the outside at the :57.1 half-mile marker. Pierce and Well Said cleared to the front and paced to the third panel in 1:24.3, then brushed home in :27.1 to hit the wire in 1:51.4. Well Said defeated Dial Or Nodial, who was making his first start since finishing fifth in the North America Cup final, by 1-3/4 lengths.

The qualifier was the first appearance on the track for Well Said since his victory in the $500,000 Battle of the Brandywine on August 16 at Harrah’s Chester. Well Said is expected to race in the Simcoe Stakes next Saturday (Sept. 12) at Mohawk, before heading to the Little Brown Jug on Sept. 24. He is owned by Jeffrey Snyder and Lothlorien.