Look Closer Upsets In Bridger Series

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Published: August 20, 2009 09:33 pm EDT

Look Closer used a pylon-skimming trip to snap Stormont Garcon’s eight-race winning streak in Thursday night’s $49,600 final of the Bridger Trotting Series

for two-year-old colts and geldings over a Mohawk Racetrack that was rated as good.

Driver Paul MacDonell had the choice of Look Closer or stablemate Beer League in the final but chose the former who started well from post two. The pair got away in third position and watched Southwind Wrangler and Stormont Garcon exchange leads through an opening panel in :28.4.

Stormont Garcon led the field through a first half in :59.1 before facing pressure from round-one winner The First Time in the third quarter. Stormont Garcon was able to repel the challenge and put up the third fraction of 1:28.3.

At the top of the stretch, Southwind Wrangler regained the pocket position and appeared poised to challenge but then made a costly break in stride, taking himself out of contention. That left clearance for Look Closer who had plenty of trot to offer.

As the field turned for home, Stormont Garcon began to drift to the outside, allowing MacDonell to send his charge through the inside. Look Closer surged past and trotted strong through the wire for the 1:58 tally. Stormont Garcon did hold second with Bay Lightning picking up the show spot.

It was the first career win in four starts for the son of Muscles Yankee-My Own Hanover - a $55,000 yearling purchase at last Fall’s Harrisburg sale.

Paula Wellwood owns and trains the colt who is eligible to the $515,000 (est.) William Wellwood Memorial on Sunday, September 13. The race is named in honour of her father - the late, legendary William Wellwood.

(WEG)

To view Thursday’s harness racing results, click here.

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