After overcoming an early miscue and surviving a judges inquiry to win the second leg of The Count B Series on a frigid Friday night (Feb. 12) at Woodbine Racetrack, War N Munn heads into next weekend's final with potential to pull off the series sweep. Meanwhile, Ainsleynoelle posted a mild upset in round two of the Ontario Girls Series.
Despite the first quarter break, odds-on favourite War N Munn scored another impressive victory in the $17,000 second leg of The Count B Series.
Driven by Jonathan Drury, War N Munn got away fourth, but made a quick break heading towards the first turn and was brought to the outside. Once off the pylons and back pacing, Drury sent his charge to the lead in the second quarter. War N Munn was mistake-free in the final three-quarters and cruised to a three-length victory. Early leader Gotti (Trevor Henry) finished second, while The Loan Ranger (Doug McNair) was third. Three Truths (Sylvain Filion), who also won a first leg division, finished fourth. The race fractions were :27.1, :56.2, 1:26 and 1:55.
A three-year-old son of Stonebridge Regal, War N Munn is now two-for-two in The Count B Series and in 2016. He is trained by Carmen Auciello for owner George Munniksma. War N Munn now has four career victories and earnings exceeding $60,000. He paid $3.10 to win.
In order to be eligible to The Count B, the three-year-old pacing colts and geldings had to be non-winners of three races or $40,000 lifetime as of October 31, 2015.
Ainsleynoelle pulled off a mini upset against seven rivals in the $18,000 Ontario Girls second leg.
Driven by Randy Waples, Ainsleynoelle got a pocket trip and was able to convert in the lane for a 1:55.2 score at odds of 7-1. Mach Magic (Doug McNair) cut the mile (:28.1, :57.1, 1:25.1), but gave way late to finish second by a length. Pinky Tuscadero (Mike Horner) finished third. Amazing Control (Jody Jamieson), who won a first leg division, finished fourth, while favourite Double Olives (Mike Saftic) was sixth.
A four-year-old daughter of Jeremes Jet, Ainsleynoelle is trained by Colin Johnson for owners Debbie Element, David Heffering and Ecurie JGV Enrg. Friday’s victory was her first win in six starts this season and eighth victory overall. Ainsleynoelle, who finished fifth in a first leg division last week, now has over $89,000 in career earnings. She paid $17.40 to win.
In order to be eligible to the Ontario Girls, the Ontario-sired four-year-old pacing mares had to be non-winners of $60,000 lifetime as of October 31, 2015.
Richard Moreau trainees Sandbetweenurtoes and Ms Mac N Cheese swept the top two spots in the $30,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace on the eve of the O'Brien Awards, where their conditioner will be seeking an unprecedented third straight Trainer of the Year title.
Driver Jody Jamieson directed even-money favourite Sandbetweenurtoes to the lead during the second quarter, sweeping from third to overtake her leading stablemate who clocked a :27.1 opening quarter. Sandbetweenurtoes reached the half-mile mark in :56.1 and three-quarters in 1:24.4 before fending off the pylon-skimming Ms Mac N Cheese (Sylvain Filion) for the neck victory in 1:53.3. Our Hot Majorette (Randy Waples) finished one length behind in third.
The win was the second on the card for owner Brad Grant, who also watched his recent acquisition A Plus, driven by Jamieson and trained by Ben Wallace, earn her first win since being purchased for $80,000 from the January Select Mixed Sale in an $18,000 conditioned event.
Driver Phil Hudon, who surpassed the $50 million career earnings mark on Thursday, was honoured for his achievement in a winner’s circle presentation following his sixth race victory aboard Kayla Grace on Friday night.
Live racing has been cancelled for Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack due to the projected extreme cold temperatures. Live racing resumes Monday night (Feb. 15). Post time is 7:30 p.m. The finals of The Count B and Ontario Girls Series will be contested next Friday (Feb. 19).
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.
(With files from WEG)