Clinton Raceway kicked off its 2010 season on Sunday afternoon, and included in the 13-race program was the second leg of the Slots Cup and the first round of the Spring Cleaning Stake
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A trio of Slots Cup divisions went postward, with each split carrying a $12,000 purse. Winning their respective assignments were Justalittleluck, Great Luck and Off The Schneid.
Justalittleluck drew first blood thanks to his 1:58 triumph in off-the-pace fashion for the tandem of driver Nick Steward and trainer Kim Bakker. The four-year-old son of Northern Luck survived a first-over journey en route to winning by three-quarters of a length over Uncle Bill Mac. M A Sailor rounded out the top three.
It was the second consecutive victory for Justalittleluck, who has managed to put together a solid record of 4-1-2 in nine starts this year. He has banked $79,605 to date for owner/breeder Martin O’Toole of London, ON.
Great Luck picked up his second win of the season by virtue of his 1:59.2 tally in the second division for the duo of driver Alfie Carroll and co-owner/trainer Don Beatson. Carroll mapped out a two-hole trip for the four-year-old son of E Dees Cam, who found late room to race and used a :29-second final quarter to post the 1:59.2 victory. Ostinato came on late to finish a half-length behind the winner. Third prize went to No Mercy Percy.
Sent off at 4-1 in the seven-horse affair, Great Luck got his picture taken for the sixth time in his career. Beatson shares ownership on the career winner of $73,777 with Ken Beatson of Toronto and Sandra and Ralph Pitt of Cargill, ON.
Despite the picture painted by his name, Off The Schneid has had no problem getting to the winner’s circle this season for his owner, breeder, trainer and driver, Dean Wall. The four-year-old Rambaran gelding improved his 2010 record to 7-2-2 in 12 trips postward thanks to his 1:57.3 triumph in his assignment over A Regular Terror and Huronexpress in the third division.
It was the second consecutive victory for the gelding, who held on to win by a nose. The $6,000 payday bumped this year’s earnings to $30,238 and his lifetime total to $35,838.
There were also six $2,800 divisions of the Spring Cleaning Claiming Series sprinkled throughout the program. Winning there respective assignments were Dolce And Gapanna (2:00), Brookfieldpoketime (2:00), Daringly Devilish (2:01.3), Trigger Happy (1:59.3), Suntan Place (2:00.1) and Tymal Triton (1:59.1).
To view Sunday’s results, click here.