The first OSS Gold Series final of the season proved to be a longshot player’s dream come true thanks in part to a winning effort turned in by a three-year-old trotting filly named Mystic River
, who erupted for a 30-1 shocker in the $130,000 affair.
Mystic River, a daughter of Kadabra – Celebrity Belle, came into tonight’s tilt with an 0-for-8 record and just over $21,000 in the bank, but by the end of the night she was toting around a maiden breaking victory and more than $86,000 in earnings.
Jody Jamieson was in no hurry with the Kevin O’Reilly pupil, who was eighth at the quarter pole before advancing to seventh at the half and three-quarter calls. A :29.3 final quarter was just enough for Mystic River to rally for a three-quarter length score over SOS Respect (18-1). Third-place finisher Magic Sassy (40-1), who was a length back of the winner, completed a $2 Triactor ticket worth $3,226.20.
“She finished off last year with a 1:57 qualifier and she was good her first start here last week,” said trainer Kevin O’Reilly. “She just got sick a couple of times last year at the wrong time. Now she’s a year older, she’s a bit stronger and healthier, and she does want to do it. I think she can be very handy here in the Ontario Sires Stakes. She’s got the desire to do it. We’ll see what happens. She’s staked out pretty good, but we’ll take it race by race.”
Purchased for a mere $7,500 at the 2007 New Jersey Classic Yearling Sale, Mystic River races for partners Chris Ryder of Allentown, NJ, Deena Rachel Frost of Delray Beach, FL and Max Wernick of New City, NY.
The next OSS Gold Series event for the three-year-old trotting fillies will be hosted at Georgian Downs. Eliminations are scheduled for July 4, and the $130,000 final will follow on July 11.
(With quotes from WEG)
To view Sunday’s results, click here.