Write Me A Song ($2.70) was unrivalled in her Kin Pace elimination on the Canada Day (July 1) card at Clinton Raceway, taking charge early and never looking back en route to a 1:55.3 score, the fastest among 13 Ontario-sired three-year-old pacing fillies to square off.
Write Me A Song and driver Jody Jamieson seized command in the second elimination (race eight) from pole-sitting Shadow World (Jonathan Drury) through a fairly sensible :29 first quarter and remained uncontested from there. After rating middle fractions of :57.1 and 1:28, the daughter of Sportswriter kicked away boldly off the home turn, using a :27.3 final split to cap a 1:55.3 mile. She finished 4-1/4 lengths better than pocket rival Shadow World, while Katniss S BG (Louis-Philippe Roy) and Sunday Afternoon (Bob McClure) both finished within a neck of the runner-up to complete the top four.
Trainer Jack Darling owns seven-time winner Write Me A Song.
In the earlier elimination (race six), a break in stride at the start by odds-on favourite Hello Love changed the complexion of the race entirely, and second choice Askmysecretary ($8.10) was able to take advantage for a 1:59.1 victory. Doug McNair put the Mach Three filly in play early, and the pair worked to clear Rendezvous Hanover (Paul MacKenzie) through a :29 first quarter before pulling the half down to :59.4. Up the far side, Askmysecretary faced a moderately strong first-over bid from Sweet Toujours (McClure), but shrugged her off turning for home. After gaining separation off the corner, Askmysecretary was driven out to hold off a late-lunging Rendezvous Hanover — clear from the pocket in the final 150 yards — by half a length. Sweet Toujours held third, while Three Accounts (Drury) was an even fourth after saving ground throughout.
Trainer Ted MacDonnell shares ownership of Askmysecretary with Leonard Gamble and Tony Lawrence. The win was the first of the year for Askmysecretary after finishing second or third in nine of 15 tries prior.
The top four finishers from each of today's eliminations will meet in next Sunday's (July 8) $60,000 Kin Pace final.
In addition to his win in the first Kin Pace elimination, McNair teamed up with Vijayscam ($3.60, 1:58.2), Stronski ($3.40, 2:00.3), Michelles Hattrick ($17.30, 2:00.4), Machapelo ($3.50, 1:58.4) and Twin B J J ($3.30, 2:00) to lead all drivers with six wins on the ten-race program.
On the tarmac, the Huron Residential Hospice hosted their Day at the Races fundraiser. Through the 50/50, popcorn sales, race sponsorships and barbecue, they were able to raise over $2,000. The Super Sunday Show celebrated Canada Day with free cake, tote bag giveaways after each race and the grand prize of a backyard oasis set, which was won by Heather Woods.
Live racing resumes next Sunday (July 8), with the Kin Pace sharing the spotlight with three-year-old trotting fillies contesting the Ontario Sires Stakes.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Clinton Raceway.
(with files from Clinton Raceway)