The opening leg of the Manitoba Sires Stakes was held on Saturday at Holland Fair, featuring three divisions for sophomore pacers.
In the first of two $4,039 Golden Boy divisions for the colts and geldings, Als Friday Player fought Hillybilly Broke for the lead past half-mile mark and went on to win in 2:07.2 over the 'good' track, with Cor Dees Rocket coming on for second. Hillybilly Broke was third.
Marc Fillion trains and drive the Western Gambler-Positive Player colt, who won both of his Kindergarten and Juvenile sires stakes divisions as a freshman, for Allan Drader of Brookdale, MB. The victory was the first in two starts this year for Als Friday Player.
Diggin A Trench circled a short four-horse field in the second division and took over the lead from Western Banner at the third quarter mark en route to a four and a half length victory in 2:09.1. Western Banner stayed for second over Owens Fascination.
Unraced as a two-year-old, the homebred Armbro Trench-Allamerican Orchid colt is now two-for-two to start his career. Michel Rey drove Diggin A Trench for trainer Melanie Rey Clark and owners Richard and Janet Rey of St. Claude, MB.
Racing for the same connections as Diggin A Trench, Rocket To The Top converted off a pocket trip to win the $4,052 Silk Lace division for fillies. The Mattarocket-Tequila Lullaby miss prevailed by one length over pacesetter Throw Me Roses in 2:06.3, with Timely Grace third.
Rocket To The Top was a runner-up in last week's Lady Crocus Stakes and earned her first win in three career starts.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Holland Fair.