Canadian Record Established in Mohawk Million

Maryland (Chapter Seven-Crucial) surged to victory in the Mohawk Million, capping off a stellar Saturday night for harness racing driver Dexter Dunn.

After dominating previous races with wins in the $347,000 Elegantimage (aboard French Champagne) and the $713,000 Canadian Trotting Classic (aboard Amazing Catch), Dunn executed a different strategy in the Mohawk Million but achieved a similar result.

Driven by Scott Zeron, Meshuggah leapt off the starting gate to take an early lead heading into the first turn, trailed by Lookatmegoamigo, Go Ahead Makemyday, and Lasting Dream, while Maryland comfortably settled in sixth position throughout the opening quarter in :27.1.

The pace remained steady, hitting the half-mile marker in a moderate :56.2, as Dunn opted to maintain a patient position, now in seventh as the 4-5 favourite. Meshuggah continued to lead at three-quarters in 1:24.3, with Lasting Dream starting to apply pressure. Monalishi was in third place, but Maryland, now fourth and five lengths behind, was energetic and ready to move.

With Hunterton Farm as his slot owner for the Million, Maryland began steadily overtaking his competitors down the stretch, easily pulling ahead to secure a remarkable 3 ½-length victory after posting a final quarter of :27.1. Lasting Dream took second, Meshuggah finished third, and Onajetplane rounded out the top four. The final time was a record-setting 1:52.3, marking a new stakes, track, and Canadian record.

"He was pretty aggressive tonight," Dunn remarked. "He hasn’t shown that before. The horse next to us was fired up, too, and the start was a bit hectic, but thankfully he held his position. We ended up in a good spot, and just around the last turn, I almost lost him, but he regained control. I felt confident, especially coming off the turn, as he was close enough to utilize his speed."

This win marked the third consecutive outstanding performance for Maryland, who had previously triumphed in the $575,000 William Wellwood Stakes on August 24 and the $527,027 Peter Haughton Memorial on September 13, earning the richest payday of his career.

Trainer Marcus Melander praised Maryland’s intelligence, stating, "He’s the smartest colt I’ve ever worked with. He’s always eager to perform, and if he’s in a winning position turning for home, he’ll deliver."

With Saturday's victory, Maryland boasts a record of 4-1-1 from 7 starts, amassing nearly $1.1 million in lifetime earnings.

"From his early races at the Meadowlands, you could see his immense talent," commented Steve Stewart of Hunterton Farm. "He always seems to find that extra gear in the final sixteenth. He showed early on that he wouldn't let another horse pass him, showcasing his versatility. Marcus continually emphasises that what sets him apart from most horses is his intelligence."

Maryland, owned by Courant Inc., PCW Racing, Holly Lane Stud East, and SStewart R Thorn Stable, will be heading back to New Jersey as the newly crowned Million champion.

"We'll bring him home and get him ready for the Breeders Crown since he qualified last week and is already eligible for the finals," Melander noted. "That will likely be his next race, possibly with a qualifying race beforehand, but that’s our current plan."

Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, the bay colt won his debut at The Meadowlands on June 28 after being purchased for $475,000 at the 2023 Lexington Select Yearling Sale. Maryland paid $3.90 to win.