Northfield Park hosted three divisions of Ohio Sires Stake racing action during the evening’s Battle of Lake Erie program on Saturday, July 20.
Three-year-old colt trotters competed in two divisions and colt pacers in one.
On the trotting side of things, Final Breath was a four and a half length winner in the $30,000 first division. It was Final Breath’s 11th triumph in 17 lifetime starts. Hugh Beatty trains and piloted the gelding for owner Malta, Ohio owner Duane Lowe. Final Breath (Victory Sam-First Breath-Hold Your Breath) started from post two and was sitting third through an initial quarter of :29.3. Beatty tipped the trotter approaching the :59.1 half. He took the lead in the third quarter and posted final fraction of 1:28.2 and 1:58.3. Saturday’s win increased Final Breath’s bankroll to $88,197. Finishing behind Final Breath were Annies Rocketman, Chet N Spanky, Howdhedothat and Happy Go Manny. Final Breath was the overwhelming favourite, returning $2.10 to win.
Heza Rube took the $30,000 second division for three-year-old colt and gelding Ohio-breds for Northfield Park Wall of Fame trainer Marty Wollam. Heza Rube (Master Lavec-Rubicella-Awesome Goal) started from post four. He fired off the gate and never looked back, posting fractions of :28.4, :59.1, 1:28.2 and 1:57.4. He never experienced an anxious moment and won by two and a quarter lengths. Kurt Sugg drove for Middlefield, Ohio owner Bob Troyer. It was the 15 career start and seventh win for the youngster, who now has earnings of $100,399. Completing the race were Buzzin Troubador, Trottin On Over, Masterdream Chaser, Neely Spring and Flash Cash. Heza Rube was the punter’s choice, paying $2.40 to win.
On the pacing side, That Friske Feelin (Feelin Friskie-Marquee Event-Mark Johnathan) was impressive winning the $35,000 sire stakes event for sophomore colt and gelding pacers. Tony Hall drove the gelding for trainer Ron Burke and owners Howard Taylor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Edwin Gold of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and Richard Lombardo of Solon, Ohio. That Friske Feelin left the gate alertly from post three and never looked back. He posted fractions of :27.3, :56.2, 1:24.4 and 1:52.2. The clocking was a new lifetime mark for the That Friske Feelin and increased his career bankroll to $92,383. The win marked his seventh in 14 starts. Finishing in succession after the winner was Sassy Osborne, Phantom Flasher, Feelin Lika Winner, Forever Kissed, CC Big Boy Sam, Hanky L, Retrieve Forever, River Valley Pearl and Firetowers Stand. That Friske Feelin returned $3.40 to win.
(Northfield Park)