CAMPBELLVILLE, July 18 – Just two nights after Control The Moment captured the Meadowlands Pace, the series that helped launch his harness racing career kicked off its 2016 edition at Mohawk Racetrack.
The Dream Maker Series for two-year-old pacers began Monday evening with a field of nine colts and geldings clashing in the $14,000 opening leg.
The Dream Maker has had many notable winners of the years and last year Control The Moment swept the series to add his first of many accomplishments to his resume.
Scott McEneny trainee Bettors Dream was a good looking 1:53.1 winner in his career debut last week and the public took notice, as they made him the 3/5 favourite for Monday's first leg.
Driven by Doug McNair, Bettors Dream left from post eight and was pointed towards the front. After being parked by the quarter in :27.4, the public's choice cleared to the lead, but was quickly confronted by a rival.
Officer Blue Chip brushed from fourth to first and led the field by the half in :56.2. The Casie Coleman trainee fronted the field around the final turn with Bettors Dream enjoying a two-hole ride. After reaching the three-quarter pole in 1:25.4, Officer Blue Chip drifted out a few lanes at the top of the lane.
McNair had open racetrack along the rail for the stretch drive and Bettors Dream quickly retook the lead. The son of Bettor's Delight was never really challenged in the lane and looked cool pacing home in :28.3 for the 1:54.3 victory.
Soccer Hanover came first up around the final turn and battled hard in the lane to finish second, two-lengths behind the winner. Beyond Delight came from third over on the final turn to finish third, while Always Rock N Roll was fourth.
A Lexington Selected Yearling Sale graduate, Bettors Dream was purchased for $45,000 last fall. The Bettors Delight gelding is now two for two to start his career for owners John Fielding, Domenic Chiaravalle and McEneny.
Bettors Dream is the sixth foal out of Dream Away mare Enduring Delight, who has produced two winners of over $400,000.
A $2 win ticket on the McEneny trainee returned $3.20.
The second leg of the Dream Maker will take place next Monday (July 25).