Adare Castle added to her tremendous sophomore season with a 1:54.3 victory in Friday’s (Aug. 26) Casual Breeze Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
A field of seven three-year-old trotting fillies clashed in the $145,000 Grand Circuit event.
Friday’s contest was supposed to serve as a matchup between local stars Warrawee Xenia and Adare Castle, but an early break by Warrawee Xenia changed that storyline.
Adare Castle was able to maneuver around her breaking rival heading into the first turn and would touch down on the lead shortly after a :27.2 opening quarter. Driver James MacDonald got full control the front and enjoyed a middle-half :59.3 to take the field by three-quarters in 1:27.
The final-quarter saw Adare Castle step home in :27.3 for the victory. Baby Longstocking, who enjoyed a two-hole trip, did her best to stay right at the leader, finishing second by three-quarter lengths. Mischevious Rose came first up from fourth on the far turn and crossed the line third.
While Adare Castle improved to six for seven on the season, MacDonald admitted that it’s not as sweet without getting the chance to go toe-to-toe with Warrawee Xenia.
“You want to beat them at their best, you don’t’ want to see anyone else make a break or have bad luck,” said MacDonald. “It was unfortunate because I think a lot of people wanted to see them square off, but we’re happy to end up in the winner’s circle.”
Trained by Mark Etsell, Adare Castle has now won 13 of 16 starts and went over the $900,000 mark in earnings with Friday’s victory.
“She’s the epitome of consistency,” said MacDonald. “She shows up every time she goes behind the gate and just gives you everything she’s got. Lots of times she looks like she might be beat or tired and she just finds more. She’s a real champion.”
The daughter of Muscle Mass will now compete in next Saturday’s Simcoe Stakes. Trainer Etsell confirmed a schedule of the Simcoe and Elegantimage before returning to the Ontario Sires Stakes for his star filly.
Adare Castle is owned by Etsell, Robert Newton, Graham Hopkins and Peter Porter. She paid $4.80 to win.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(Woodbine)