In what might have been the hunch play of the night, Winter Blues extended his win streak to four in capturing one of three $25,000 Ontario Sired Autumn Series eliminations for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack.
The other eliminations went to Dougs Fame and West Coast invader Dinner Guest.
In the opening split, Mike Saftic and Dougs Fame left sharply from Post 2 to land in the pocket early and then made a quarter-pole move to the front. Once on top, he left all six rivals in his wake on route to a 5-1/4 length win in 1:53.2.
Golder (Randy Waples) finished second with Pinnacle Peak (Rick Zeron) another five lengths back in third.
It was just the second win of the season for the son of Apaches Fame - Armbro Vertical who is trained by Gregg McNair. The win boosted his bankroll to just over $113,000 for McNair who owns the colt in partnership with Ian Fleming of Londesborough, Ontario.
Winter Blues posted an identical clocking in taking the second split for driver Randy Waples. The son of Astreos - Armbro Winter used off-the-pace tactics to deliver by 1-1/2 lengths over Blackwalls (Rick Zeron) with Marquis Player (Sylvain Filion) landing the show spot.
It was the fourth straight win for Winter Blues and third consecutive since moving into the barn of new trainer and co-owner Ian Reid. The lion's share of the purse boosted his bankroll to just over $55,000 for Reid along with partners David Hoy, Ian Reid and the Island Heat Stable of Ontario.
Dinner Guest made his first start in Ontario a winning one by taking the final elimination for Randy Waples in 1:52.3 - the fastest clocking of the three splits.
The son of No Pan Intended - Beach Guest worked out a perfect two-hole trip behind race favourite Romantic Thriller (Paul MacDonell) and then blasted by that rival in the stretch for three-length tally. Romantic Thriller held on to the place spot with Smile Fromeartoear (Sylvain Filion) rounding out the top three.
Dinner Guest, who is now trained by Chad Schmiedge, improved his record to six wins in 11 starts this season for owners Ceejay Stable, Pat Elynuik and Doris McDougall of Alberta. The victory vaulted him past $35,000 in purse winnings.
The Ontario Sired Autumn Series Final will be contested next Saturday night at Woodbine.
Waples, a two-time O’Brien Award winner, scored a total of five wins on the 12-race card bringing his yearly total to 245.
The resident of Milton, Ontario picked up wins in Race 6 with Celebrity Abs (1:56.3) and Race 12 with Whippet Good (1:51.1). One race earlier, Waples guided Real Nice to victory (1:52.1) putting an end to Montreal Phil’s 10-race win streak.
The resident of Milton, Ontario has recorded a total of 4,705 wins and over $77 million in purse earning in his career.
To view Saturday’s results, click here.
(With files from WEG)
In regards to "Randy's"
In regards to "Randy's" (Waples) success...it isn't surprising!!! He is one great driver who carries a little bit of baggage with him because of his past, BUT to the people who can't forget the past, these are the ones who are losing out on his services. He is one of the most talented drivers in North America!!! One of these days when some of the older guys slow down, he will get his true chance to blossom(if he wants) and show everyone how good he really is!!!
Keep on winning Randy...
Danny & Eddie