The highly-regarded Sportswriter--the 2009 O'Brien and Dan Patch award winner--made his return to the racetrack during Thursday morning’s qualifying session at Mohawk Racetrack and captured his contest for driver Mark MacDonald in 1:54.3. The strapping son of Artsplace-Precious Beauty, who is one of the pre-season favorites for this year’s $1.5 million(C) Pepsi North America Cup, was victorious by 1 1/4 lengths over Dalhousie Dave and Stonebridge Tonic.
Last year’s Metro Pace champion ended his rookie campaign with seven wins from eight starts for trainer and co-owner Casie Coleman and banked just over $875,000 in the process.
Sportswriter was one of three winners on the morning for Coleman who also clicked with stakes filly Western Silk (1:53.2) and older pacer Lucky Man (1:52.3). (with files from WEG)