Hiawatha Horse Park fans will have an opportunity to see some of Ontario’s finest trotters in action this Thursday when the Sarnia oval plays host to eight Grassroots
divisions for the sophomore fillies.
Among the fillies preparing for the second Grassroots event of the 2009 season is Paidmedorayme, and trainer Darryl Laver says the filly will be easy for fans to spot.
“She’s noticeable, with the big, white stripe on her face,” says the Petrolia resident. “She’s a good looking little horse.”
Unfortunately, Paidmedorayme’s good looks do not extend past the tip of her nose. Once the filly shifts into gear, Laver says she transforms into the equine version of an ugly duckling.
“She’s pretty, but she’s not nice to watch. That’s what Sylvain Filion said when they interviewed him at Woodbine. He said, ‘She’s not very elegant to watch, but she’s gutsy,’” recalls Laver, with a chuckle.
The Oaklea Julian daughter’s grit has carried her to a record of three wins, three seconds and two thirds in 12 starts this season, putting $44,275 in the pockets of owner-breeders Fred Petersen of Springfield and Martin Hossack of Thamesford. The filly’s last appearance was in the June 8 Grassroots season opener at Grand River Raceway where she posted a 2:02 victory in spite of a bobble at the three-quarters.
“She’s always on the verge of pacing, but she’s got a lot of heart,” explains Laver. “That’s why Paul Mackenzie’s driving her, because he knows her.”
Mackenzie will send Paidmedorayme after a few more Grassroots points from Post 2 in the eleventh race, tackling four Grassroots regulars and three newcomers to the provincial program.
In preparation for Thursday’s contest Laver schooled Paidmedorayme over the Hiawatha oval last week, but the horseman is reluctant to claim any hometown advantage. The last time the filly raced at Hiawatha, in a May 9 overnight, she finished a lacklustre fifth.
“I raced her there about three starts ago and she trotted terrible,” notes Laver. “I hope she trots better than the last time.”
With 12 starts under her belt this season, Paidmedorayme will be concentrating on the Grassroots program for the remainder of the season. The fillies battle through six regular season events, with the top 16 point earners advancing to the Semifinal round and the top eight finishers earning a berth in the $100,000 Grassroots Championship on November 1.
“I got a few starts into her before the Sires Stakes started, so she’ll have enough racing in the Grassroots,” says Laver. “We’re happy she’s a good Sires Stakes filly, a Grassrooter.”
Hiawatha Horse Park fans will be treated to three-year-old trotting filly Grassroots action in Race 2 and Races 5 through 11. A total of $192,000 in provincial purse money is up for grabs, with sixty-five fillies hoping to earn a share. Post time for Hiawatha’s first race on Thursday evening is 7 p.m.
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To view Friday’s entries, click here.