Bob MacNeil trainees took the top two spots in the weekly Winners Over feature on Saturday (May 28) at Northside Downs.
Leaving from the inside two starting spots, Gentry Seelster and Kiss Me Im Irish made early bids for the lead and landed one-two after the opening quarter. Gentry Seelster (Larry Snow) had rail control and got to the top first, but Kiss Me Im Irish (Mark Pezzarello) wanted the front end more and pressed on through the :30 opening quarter. The tempo didn't slow from there as Kiss Me Im Irish buzzed past the half-mile marker in :57.1 and the top tandem had solid separation from the rest of the field.
Sensing the pacesetter might be leg-weary, Snow and Gentry Seelster popped the pocket down the backside to challenge but Kiss Me Im Irish battled back to park her stablemate through a 1:28.3 third station. Around the far turn, the top two raced as a team into the stretch but Gentry Seelster had more in reserve and persevered for the three-quarter length score. Kiss Me Im Irish was a length back in second, with Southwind Ricardo rounding out the top three. The time of the mile was 2:00.1, with judges listing the track as good and allowing two seconds.
Owned by MacNeil along with Joseph MacNeil of Ingonish, N.S. and Bernard Macneil of Miscouche, P.E.I., Gentry Seelster ($11.70) picked up his first win of the season and 10th lifetime. The five-year-old son of Mach Three - Goddess Princess now sports just shy of $40,000 in career earnings in his 41 starts.
For results from Saturday's card, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.