Georgian Downs kicked off the opening leg of the Innisfil Cup Claiming Series on Monday evening, and trotting sire Angus Hall swept the set of $12,000 divisions.
First up was Hallucination, who prevailed by one-quarter of a length over Ringside Seats in 1:57.2 in the opening split. Scott Coulter sent the gelded son of Angus Hall-Bankers Jackpot through fractions of :28.3, :58 and 1:27 before using a :29.4 closing quarter to seal the deal by one-quarter of a length over Ringside Seats. Third prize was earned by ER Mr T.
Richard Moreau trains the 3-2 favourite for owners Sylvain Descheneaux of Sorel-Tracey, QC and Fred Hendelaar of Heerenveen, NL. It was the fourth win in the last five starts and the fifth score of the year for the career winner of $87,675.
Northern Senorita needed every inch of the racetrack to post her nose decision over Skyrise Against in 2:00 in the second division. The daughter of Angus Hall-Pine Nut enjoyed a two-hole journey behind Hertz Seelster, who carved out fractions of :29.1, :59.3 and 1:29.2 before tiring and fading. Northern Senorita only needed a :30.2 final frame to post the narrow win over the aforementioned Skyrise Against, with third prize earned by Tangier.
Harness Racing Canada Inc of Cambridge, John Kodric of Toronto and trainer Wayne Preszcator of Exeter, ON share ownership on the three-time winner who was partnered with driver Scott Coulter. It was her second win of the year from 22 tries and the lion’s share of the offered purse lifted her loot total to $68,645.
Driver Scott Coulter had a profitable night at the office thanks to his five-win performance. In addition to his win in the Innisfil Cup Claiming Series with Northern Senorita and Hallucination he also prevailed with Will Panout (1:58.1) in Race 1, Tijuana Tag (2:02.2) in Race 5 and Passionate Terror (1:55.1) in Race 11.
Coulter, who recently joined the 3,500-win club, is just 23 wins shy of hitting the 400-win marker this season. This also marks the eighth consecutive year he’s managed to be pair up with winners in excess of $2 million in earnings.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Georgian Downs.