A trio of OSS Gold Series eliminations for three-year-old trotting fillies highlighted the Sunday evening program at Rideau Carleton Raceway, with the top three finishers from each of the eliminations earning a berth into next week's rich final.
Pleasure Girls held on to win by a half-length margin in the opening elimination for driver Guy Gagnon, who guided the Richard Moreau pupil to the 1:58.2 decision.
The Dr Ronerail miss held off late rushes from runner-up Its My Time and third-place finisher Abby Kadabra en route to posting her sixth win of the campaign for the partnership of Ecurie Richard Moreau Inc., 2095589 Ontario Inc. and Jean Dessureault.
She has harvested $77,400 of her $83,900 lifetime bankroll this season.
Gaelic Mistress stepped to a career-best clocking of 1:58.4 in the second elimination for the duo of trainer John Bax and driver Steve Byron.
The daughter of Striking Sahbra rallied to win by a neck over race favourite Only Lonely, who was a fast-closing runner-up. Kadealia rounded out the top three.
It was the fourth win of the season for Gaelic Mistress, who is owned by Parkhill Stud Farm, Wooden Lissen Stable, Venture K Stable and Lewis Palmer. The $20,000 payday lifted her lifetime earnings to $138,363.
Whatta Hotty vaulted off cover to take home the hardware in the third elimination for the father/son duo of trainer Jim Whelan and driver Garrett Whelan.
The homebred daughter of Yankee Paco drew off to a convincing victory in a time of 1:57.3. Warrawee June, who was sent off as the 6-5 favourite, snuck up the rail to finish second and Improper Hall was third.
Jim Whelan co-owns the filly with Terry & Mary & Clarence Devos of Langton, Ontario. The victory gives Whatta Hotty a 3-2-2 record in 12 starts this season. She has banked $257,058 to date.
Rideau Carleton Raceway will host the $120,000 OSS Gold Series final next Sunday evening.
$120,000 OSS Gold Series Final
1. Kadealia
2. Abby Kadabra
3. Whatta Hotty
4. Pleasure Girls
5. Its My Time
6. Warrawee June
7. Gaelic Mistress
8. Improper Hall
9. Only Lonely
To view Sunday's results, click here.