The old adage stating 'it's not how you start, it's how you finish' was certainly fitting for two of the more noteworthy outings during the Friday (July 3) session of baby races at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
In the morning's first event for trotters, Dicentra established herself as an early season favourite for the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold series with her second winning qualifier. There might be a need for trainer Luc Blais to make some equipment adjustments before her next start, however, as the rookie filly had trouble in the opening turn while trying to land in the pocket for driver Bob McClure. She eventually settled down at the rail as Southwind Cersei (Paul MacDonell) carved out healthy fractions of :30.1, :59.4 and 1:30. Dicentra patiently stalked the leader before tipping out in the stretch and powering past for the 1:59 score, three lengths the best over Southwind Cersei and Hadiknownbetter (Louis-Philippe Roy).
Owned by Determination of Montreal, Que., Dicentra (Muscle Mass - Dicent No) is a full sister to star OSS graduate On A Sunny Day.
Living up to his name, Publicity Seeker warranted mention with his effort. And much like the case with Dicentra, his morning performance still leaves something to be desired by his connections. In his second appearance of the season, Publicity Seeker made a break before the start of his mile for driver Sylvain Filion and spotted his rivals a generous lead. He was charted as 21 lengths off the leader Whole Nine Yards (Paul Walker) at the opening :31.1 quarter, just less than 20 lengths back at the 1:02.3 half and then made up a ton of ground in his third stanza to sit second over less than eight lengths from the lead at the 1:33.4 third station. Tipping off cover turning for home through a :27.4 final quarter, Publicity Seeker emerged victorious by a head over a fast-closing Dealin With Dewey (Mario Baillargeon) in 2:03.
A $38,000 London Selected Yearling Sale purchase, Publicity Seeker (Muscle Mass - Pretty Crafty) is owned by trainer Steve Bossence along with Richard Thompson of London and Derek Reid of Etobicoke, Ont. Expect to see Publicity Seeker back in to qualify as his erratic performances still have him on the judges' list.
Baby races continue on Saturday (July 4) at Woodbine Mohawk Park with 11 dashes carded exclusively for pacers.
To view the results from Friday's baby race session at Mohawk, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Baby Races).