Sudbury Downs' Heat Wave Series kicked off on Saturday night with three $7,000 eliminations.
Philippe Belanger trainee Mellow Jenny and driver Mario Rivest converted from the pocket to win the first elimination in 1:56.2. The 5-2 second choice won by nearly two lengths over Johnny Quick and favourite Kennairn Crystal. Belanger co-owns and bred the four-year-old mare with Talbot Trail Racing Stables of Windsor, Ont.
The favourite prevailed in the second split as Gerry Belanger sent Apache White Foot down the road to a 1:56.1 score. The four-year-old gelding, this year's Juggernaut Series runner-up, won by a length over Rockin On Over for trainer and owner Brittany Robertson.
Driver Jason Ryan scored in the final elimination with wire-to-wire winner Sydney Seelster for trainer Paul Ruhl. The four-year-old mare, owned by James Ruhl of Tara, Ont., won her elimination as the 4-1 second choice in 1:56.2 by one and a quarter lengths over the popular pocket-sitter, Barefoot Contessa.
The Heat Wave Series is a conditioned claiming event. The specific condition is claiming $10,000 with allowances for non-winners of four races or $50,000 (fillies and mares five races or $60,000) lifetime as of August 11, 2012. The $20,000 (added) final is scheduled for next Saturday night.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Sudbury Downs.