When owner/trainer Murray Preszcator shelled out $16,000 at the Forest City Yearling Sale in 2009 for Calgary Seelster, he wasn’t quite sure
what would be made of him. Now, over a year later, the London, Ontario resident is enjoying the recent success of his star pacer.
Despite being unraced as a rookie, the three-year-old son of Modern Art-Cmon Mama Cass has proven to be worth every penny as he’s stashed away $62,780 to date with a 1:52.4 lifetime best, taken in last week’s $60,000 final of the Apaches Fame Stakes. He also remains unbeaten in his last four starts.
“I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I bought him,” Preszcator admits. “He was a great looking yearling but very big and Modern Art’s were not hot that year. The thing that struck me about him was his presence; he stood out when you pulled him out of the stall, so I took a chance on him.”
Preszcator mentioned that despite winning the final of the Apaches Fame Stakes, Calgary Seelster is still developing and maturing.
“He’s only had six lifetime starts, so he’s still learning how to race. Phil (Hudon) said that he’s getting more confident and developing quite well.”
Preszcator was asked how he would manage his sophomore pacer over the coming months.
“After this series, he will get some deserved time off,” he related. “He’s eligible to the Matts Scooter Series at The Meadowlands at the beginning of May, so that’s what I’m aiming for.”
With a record of 4-1-0 from six career starts, Calgary Seelster has been entered into Friday night’s $20,000 Youthful Stakes elimination’s. That $60,000 final is appealing but Preszcator is hoping to have bigger paydays this summer.
“Right now, the way that he’s racing, I think he’s a Gold horse. He’s eligible to the OSS, Canadian Breeders and if he’s on his game, I will consider supplementing him to the Upper Canada Cup.
“At this point, things couldn’t be better with him. He’s sound, enjoying his work and developing very well. Hopefully we have a big summer.”
Calgary Seelster will begin from post two in race three for driver Phil Hudon. First race post time scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
(WEG)
To download a past performance program for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday program – Woodbine Racetrack.