Calgary Seelster front-stepped his way to his sixth consecutive victory and second stakes win on Friday night at Woodbine Racetrack in the $60,000 Youthful Stakes for three-year-old pacers
that were non-winners of three races or $15,000 lifetime in 2010.
Leaving hard off the gate from the outside Post 10, longshot Fox Valley Yukon (Jack Moiseyev) crossed down along the pylons, but gave way to elimination winner Im Feelin Good (Randy Waples) in the early going.
As the field rolled past the opening quarter in :27.2, the other elim winner, Calgary Seelster, rolled up to take over command for driver Phil Hudon. The son of Modern Art-Cmon Mama Cass reached the half in :55.2 and three-quarters in 1:24 before opening up a couple of lengths as he moved off the turn.
That margin was reduced as Im Feelin Good pulled the pocket and Fox Valley Yukon shot up the rail down the stretch. Calgary Seelster managed to hold off his quick-closing rivals for the 1:53 triumph. Finishing three-quarters of a length behind, Im Feelin Good edged out Fox Valley Yukon for second.
"He went a big mile tonight but don't thing he was a 100 per cent," Hudon told WEG's Media Department following the victory. "He wasn't as sharp as the week before but he beat a solid bunch of horses. After beating this group, I think he has enough potential to be a Gold horse this spring."
Calgary Seelster paid $4.60 to win as the 6-5 favourite. The son of Modern Art-Cmon Mama Cass, who is now six-for-eight in his debut season, earned his second stakes trophy after capturing the Apaches Fame on Mar. 14 at Woodbine. He surpassed the $100,000 mark in career earnings tonight for trainer-owner Murray Preszcator of London, Ont.
For results from Friday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.