Driver Jack Moiseyev returned to the sulky to win a pair of Ontario Sires Stakes Gold eliminations on Wednesday afternoon at Flamboro Downs.
Moiseyev, who aggravated an old back injury in a racing incident last week at Mohawk Racetrack, was back to his winning ways during the first Gold Series test of the season for freshman trotters. He won the first two of three $40,000 eliminations with front-stepping favourites Majestized and Cool Victory.
Majestized ($3.60) swept around early leavers Dewer Cash and Stephen Byron at the opening quarter mark and cruised home to a two and a half length victory in 2:03.1. Dewer Cash finished second while 38-1 longshot Krim Boughalem and Sylvain Filion came on for third. The Majestic Son-Digitized colt is owned by trainer Johnny and Kimberley Waite of Camden, Delaware.
In the second elimination, Cool Victory ($2.40) cleared to command over 31-1 longshot Two Doors Down and Rodney Zeron before the first quarter pole and drew off down the lane to win in 2:02.1 by three and three-quarter lengths. Two Doors Down stayed for second and Musclescorleone, driven by Paul MacKenzie, finished third. John Kopas trains the Kadabra-Allmar Victory gelding for LLK Stable and Janet Wagner of Mississauga, Kocomo Stables of Moffat, and Gary Grieve of Union, Ont.
Moiseyev looked to have the third elimination under wraps as Stonebridge Vista fanned wide around the final turn and took over command from the breaking leaders, 7-5 favourite Toocool Forschool and Mario Charron, but he too made a break and was placed back to third. Mario Oneeighthree ($22.90) and Sylvain Filion rallied home from the back of the pack to finish a head behind and inherited first with a winning time of 2:03.2. First over The Manipulator and Anthony MacDonald finished right there in third and was placed second. Brenda Spence trains the winning Kadabra-Paris Oaks colt for owner and co-breeder Frank Cirillo of Kleinburg, Ont.
Here is a look at the field for next week's $130,000 Gold Final in post position order:
$130,000 Gold Final
1. Stonebridge Vista
2. Majestized
3. Two Doors Down
4. Krim Boughalem
5. Dewer Kash
6. Musclescorleone
7. Cool Victory
8. The Manipulator
9. Mario Oneeighthree
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Flamboro Downs.