The Innisfil Cup Claiming Series kicked off on Friday night at Georgian Downs with three $10,000 divisions for trotters
that are non-winners of $60,000 lifetime as of Oct. 15, racing for a $12,000 claiming price.
In the opening division, Boss Man Joe settled away fourth but launched his first over attack past the half-mile mark. Driven by Scott Coulter, the 15-1 shot set out to reel in heavy favourite Slinginsand (Simon Allard), who had established a five-length lead on the field. Pocket-sitter Revenator (Robert Shepherd) managed to get out around the final turn but Boss Man Joe came on to prevail by a neck in a new lifetime mark of 1:57.3. Slinginsand finished one length back in third.
Paul Ruhl trains the four-year-old gelded son of S Js Photo-Emilys Victory, now a winner of three races in 28 seasonal starts and $17,270, for James Ruhl of Tara, Ont. He paid $32.90 for the upset.
Pile Driver Jt fired to command from Post 7 while the popular Frenchfrysncheese (Scott Zeron) made a break behind the gate along with C J D Sale (Anthony MacDonald). The five-year-old son of Duke Of York-N V Becky was untouchable as he cruised to a three-length victory in a season’s best 1:57.3. Abs Yankees Rail (Paul MacKenzie) finished second and My Way John (Tony Kerwood) was third.
Pile Drive Jt has won four times in 13 outings this year and has put away $23,505 for trainer Edward Hayter, who shares ownership with Leisha Collins of Port Robinson, Ont. He paid $21.90 as the 9-1 fourth choice in the field.
Eye On The Prize and driver Paul MacKenzie went first over from fourth before the half after the popular Chip Chip Booshay (Scott Zeron) while the backfield struggled to keep up in the final split. The 7-2 second choice took control around the final turn as Chip Chip Booshay made a costly break. The three-year-old gelded son of Yankee Glide-Victory My Way then opened up four and a half lengths to stop the clock in 1:58.2 with pocket-sitter Brassie M (Scott Coulter) coming in second and Bold Barry (Daniel Potvin) 14 lengths in arrears.
Robert Hummel trains Eye On The Prize, a winner of three races in 22 starts this year and $30,085, for The Shopping Stable of Kitchener, Ont. He paid $9.40 to win.
To view Friday's results, click here.