Sudbury Downs featured four $3,500 Pot O Gold Series eliminations for $5,000 claiming pacers on Saturday night with Hidden Hall, J M Hannibal, Hobbys Hobbit and Red Leaf Morgan all turning in winning performances over a 'good' surface
rated two seconds off.
Rosemary Shelswell's four-year-old Modern Art gelding Hidden Hall turned back a challenge from the claimed Cinema Classic to win the first elimination in 1:58.3 by three-quarters of a length for new trainer-driver Jason Ryan. Gamin Blanco came in second and Armbro Brando finished over three lengths back in third off a pocket trip. The 2-1 favourite paid $6.70 to win for the fourth consecutive time at the Chelmsford half-mile oval.
Second choice J M Hannibal edged out slight favourite Loco Motion Man in his elimination by a neck in 1:59.1, paying $7 to win. Richard Baker drove the 10-year-old Presidential Ball gelding to his first Sudbury win for owner-trainer Don Johnson. Johnny Quick finished nearly two lengths behind in third.
Driven by Gerry Belanger, the popular Hobbys Hobbit kept pocket-sitter I Am Sam Iam at bay to win the third elimination in 1:58.2 by one length. He paid $5.20 to win. Loose Talk finished one and a half lengths behind in third after a first over journey. Brittany Robertson owned and trained the eight-year-old Force Of Life gelding, who was claimed for $5,000 by W. Darryl Munro.
Paula Pidutti's Red Leaf Morgan made a three-wide move at the half and came on to win the final elimination in 1:58.1 by more than a length over the popular pocket-sitter Diego Seelster and pacesetter Mancasso. Jeff Nowoselsky drives and trains the eight-year-old son of Artist Stena, who returned $9.90 to his backers as the 4-1 third choice. The win was his second in a row in this claiming class a Sudbury.
The newly formatted Pot O Gold Series will see the top nine finishers from the eliminations return next weekend to compete in a $23,600 final. An $8,000 consolation will also be carded.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Sudbury Downs.