He’s baaack.
Buckhams Bay made his second start back off a seven week hiatus in Saturday’s $130,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Final at Flamboro Downs, and the two-year-old trotting colt returned to the winner’s circle compliments of
a cool as a cucumber steer by Hall of Famer Jacques Hebert.
Starting from Post 2, Hebert moved Buckhams Bay strongly off the gate and settled into second behind track record holder Daylon Magician (Jack Moiseyev). Daylon Magician led the field though a sharp :28.2 opening quarter and then turned back a challenge from the other Gold elimination winner Delcrest Julian. Unable to reach the front, and with no room between the top two horses, Anthony MacDonald was forced to reel in Delcrest Julian and drop onto the rail in third.
Daylon Magician carried on to a :58.2 half and then Bruce The Brave (Keith Oliver) stepped to the outside and took a run at the leaders. By the 1:30.2 three-quarters it was clear that Bruce The Brave would gain no traction against Daylon Magician, and the pacesetter sailed around the final turn and straightened out for home with a comfortable lead. However, Buckhams Bay had yet to be heard from and when Hebert shifted the long-legged colt into gear he went from Sunday stroll to sprint in a heartbeat.
Daylon Magician put up a good fight, but Buckhams Bay prevailed by half a length in 2:00 over a track rated one second slower than normal. Max Money (Trevor Ritchie) recovered from an early break to finish third.
Woodlawn, Ont. resident John Smith trains Buckhams Bay for Courant AB of Halmstad, Sweden, who purchased the colt from Smith in early August. The victory was the precocious young trotter’s third Gold Final title and boosts his record to five wins and one second in six starts. Last week’s runner-up showing to Daylon Magician was Buckhams Bay’s only loss this season and came in his first start after a minor injury caused him to miss the August Gold Series event at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
The Ken Warkentin half-brother to $1.1 million winner Mc Cooeye and $337,914 winner Merles Pearl will begin defense of his third Gold Final title at Mohawk Racetrack on Oct. 14. With 275 points, Buckhams Bay has already secured his berth in the $300,000 Super Final at Woodbine Racetrack on Nov. 13.
After seeing the Gold Series two-year-old trotting colts battle over the last week, Flamboro Downs fans will now have an opportunity to see their Grassroots counterparts in action on Thursday, Oct. 7.
To view Saturday's results, click here.
(With files from OSS)
Yet another win for the hall
Yet another win for the hall of fame driver Jacques Hebert, trainer John Smith, and Buckhams Bay for their new Swedish owners(Courant Ab). The Swedes love their trotters and the style of driving of a Jacques Hebert.
For young drivers, watch the way Jacques handles his horses. His driving is in sync with the ability of the horse he's commanding, and his respect for the horse, the owners and the fans make him a true hall of famer.
Felicitations/Congratulations Jacques!