The Young Guns Series kicked off during Saturday night's harness racing card at Sudbury Downs with three $8,500 divisions and speed on display
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Enlightened Cam and driver Paul MacLean weren't favoured in the second division but they turned out to be tons the best on the track, trouncing their foes with a 1:58 romp -the fastest of the splits - for trainer France MacLean. Paul co-owns the three-year-old gelded son of E Dees Cam - Western Goddess with Gerry Gauthier of Azilda, Ont.
Names Fame won the first division by five lengths in 1:58.1 for trainer/driver Jay Polifroni and owner Andrew Smagac of Chelmsford, Ont. while Shaws Creek Stable's Foxys Fire Water posted the upset in the third and final division by virtue of a 1:59.4 score for trainer Dion MacLean and driver Donny Gillis Jr.
The series for five-year-olds and under that are non-winners of three races of $30,000 lifetime ($40,000 for fillies and mares, winners over $50,000 not eligible) continues through the next four Saturday nights. The first three are qualifying rounds with horses receiving points on the following basis: win (nine), second (five), third (three), fourth (two) and fifth (one). Each qualifying division will offer an $8,500 purse. The nine highest point earners entered for the final will compete for an $18,700 purse on Sept. 12. The Young Guns Stake is an annual event and will take centre stage over the next four Saturday nights. Since its inception in 1991, it has been the longest, continuously run stake at the track.
Track record holder Zorgwijk Fortunate made it four straight at the Chelmsford-area oval with a 1:58.3 drubbing over his four foes in the $11,000 Not Listed Preferred, making every call a winning one for driver Dave Dowling and trainer Mike Noble en route to the six-length win. Mario Delgobbo of Maple, Ont. owns the seven-year-old altered son of Wesgate Crown-Colleen Obrien.
To view results, click here.