Since moving to Ontario from Alberta in 2009, trainer Travis Umphrey has made his stamp in his new province

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With the likes of A Ps Money Maker ($601,878), Blended Whiskey ($269,190) and top Ontario Sires Stakes three-year-old pacing filly Monkey On My Wheel ($297,386), Umphrey has little to complain about.

Now, Umphrey may have another head-turner in Gable Blue Chip.

The two-year-old son of American Ideal-Ichiban Blue Chip won his first pari-mutuel debut on July 11 from Post 10 in 1:56.3.

Looking ahead, Umphrey believes Gable Blue Chip’s next start will tell him even more as the colt will take on other freshmen in the $20,000 Dream Maker elimination on July 19.

“That will be a nice test for him,” Umphrey commented from his home. “When [driver] Rick Zeron qualified him, he said that he had lots in the tank and shut him down half-way down the stretch and Doug Brown said the same thing in his first start.”

Purchased for $50,000 at the Harrisburg Yearling Sale in 2010, Umphrey didn’t expect to buy this youngster.

“I didn’t even have him marked in my catalogue,” he laughed. “I was standing by the walking ring and I noticed him. He was such a flashy individual and very correct that I went and took a look at his video and I was even more impressed. I wasn’t expecting to buy an American Ideal, but he came home with me.”

Even during the early months of training, the Guelph, Ont. resident was optimistic about his purchase.

“He’s always been an impressive individual,” Umphrey said. “Even back in January he showed that he wanted to please me and he’s done everything we have asked of him so far.”

As Gable Blue Chip began to learn his lessons over the winter months, Umphrey had a minor issue to deal with.

“His stifles were locking up when we wanted to bring him out of his stall,” he said. “We had to strengthen them, so we put him on the equicizer for about an hour a day then jogged him. That made a big difference.”

Described as a medium-sized horse, Umphrey doesn’t mind the physical attributes of his pacer.

“He’s not a super big horse, but just a nice size. Most American Ideals aren’t very big and he's no different. He’s a stout looking horse with a beautiful head and he’s just starting to figure out that he’s a stud,” chuckled Umphrey.

Gable Blue Chip remains eligible to the Metro Pace, Breeders Crown, Simcoe Stakes, Champlain, Nassagaweya Stakes and New York Sire Stakes this season.

He will begin from Post 4 in the first of two Dream Maker eliminations on Tuesday evening at Mohawk for driver Rick Zeron. First race post is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

Elimination #1 - Race 1
1. Spinarama
2. Waywatcher
3. Sir Jeff
4. Gable Blue Chip
5. Closin In On Me
6. Terco Corazon
7. Major Deal
8. Speed Again

Elimination #2 - Race 9
1. Sir Jack
2. Artache Hanover
3. Thinking Out Loud
4. Stare Down
5. Deo El Grande
6. Partner
7. Special Blend
8. Big Unit

For Tuesday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Tuesday Entries - Mohawk Racetrack.

(WEG)