Despite sustained encroachment from A Positive Hanover through the final quarter mile of Dresden Raceway's opening day (Sunday, June 13) featured $5,500 Preferred 3 Pace, Style Snapshot found the winning post in time, delivering as the 8-5 favourite and staying undefeated in 2021.
The seven-year-old Royal Mattjesty mare sprinted to the lead from post 2 in a :28.1 opening sectional, and her lead doubled after pocket rival Reel broke nearing the :59.2 half and Woodmere Wyldstyle inherited second. Trainer-driver Tyler Nostadt rationed Style Snapshot through three-quarters in 1:30.3, but upon reaching the top of the stretch, A Positive Hanover, who was locked in up the backstretch, found room to threaten. Donnie Rankin Jr. roused A Positive Hanover to steady gains in the stretch, but Style Snapshot dug deep to preserve her third win in as many starts this season, stopping the clock in 2:00. A Positive Hanover missed by only a head; Leafs And Wings finished third, 1-3/4 lengths behind.
Blueshoe Investments owns 18-time winner Style Snapshot, who paid $5.40 to win.
Nostadt partnered with Brian Tropea when he was 10 years old to own his first race horse, Mr Champagne, and has been in love with the business every since.
"I've been around horses and cattle my whole life and it's my passion." said Nostadt,"It's in my blood. It's such a huge family affair for me." he said, "My girlfriend, Jordyn Sumner, and I work hard at the business with a stable of 16 horses and we know can always count on help from the rest of my family."
The local conditioner had his mother and father, John and Christine Nostadt, paddock horses for him today and knows he can count on his sisters, Ashley, Kaitlyn and Emily to help out when needed as well.
"I grew up in Windsor watching guys like Kevin Wallis, Al Cullen and Brad Forward, they were so talented and could get the most out of a horse." he said. "I try to put Marc St Louis down on as many as I can because he has the same talent of being able to get the most out of a horse and keep them alive."
The young horseman credit's Brian Tropea with being his mentor as he took time to show him how to hook up a horse and helped him get his start in the business. "Brian was great with me, he always took time with me and I learned so much from him." he added.
"I've got some great owners, Blueshoe Investments from Ohio who have faith in my and trust me, so Jordyn and I work hard to make sure we give them the best possible outcome with their horses," Nostadt said.
Dresden Raceway will host live harness racing every Sunday in June and July before wrapping their season up with a special Civic Holiday card on Monday, Aug. 3.
To view Sunday's complete results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Dresden Raceway.
(with files from Dresden Raceway)