Rookie trotters were the focus Thursday evening at Woodbine Racetrack for the second legs of the Millard Farms and Pure Ivory.
Round two of the Pure Ivory for fillies saw a pair of $20,000 divisions contested, while the Millard Farms had one large field of colts and geldings competing in a $20,000 event.
World At War Deo will have an opportunity at a sweep of the Millard Farms following a career-best 1:56.3 score. The Dave Menary trainee moved out from third at the opening-quarter for driver Jody Jamieson and trotted strongly to the lead, posting a half of :58.1.
After reaching three-quarters in a solid time of 1:27, World At War Deo’s strides started to shorten in deep stretch, setting up an exciting finish with Mr Fritter, who came charging out from third. The finish line arrived right in time for World At War Deo to hold on for the narrow victory.
Devereux Seelster finished third, while Mercutio was fourth.
A son of Chapter Seven, World At War Deo is now three for three with $27,500 earned for owners Steve Heimbecker, Blue Chip Bloodstock, Michael Guerriero and Menary Racing. The rookie trotting colt sold for $70,000 at last fall’s Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.
World At War Deo will look for the series sweep in next Thursday’s final. He paid $3.10 to win.
The second round of the Pure Ivory saw Samosa and Eternal Lee collect maiden-breaking victories.
Converting off a two-hole trip, Samosa trotted home in :28.1 to edge Dabra Day in a national season’s best 1:56. at odds of 18-1. Sylvain Filion guided the Scott McEneny trainee to the upset score, a table-turning performance after Cantab Hall filly made a break in the first leg.
Runner-up Dabra Day was coming in off a victory in the Pure Ivory first leg.
Samosa paid $38.80 to win.
A $25,000 yearling, Samosa is co-owned by breeder Fred Hertrich III and McEneny and has now earned $12,400 in four starts.
The Pure Ivory second split saw the debuting Eternal Lee rallied from fourth at the head of the lane to pick-off Lady Montague in 1:58.4. The Julie Walker trained Eternal Lee was sent off as the public’s top-choice in her career-debut after a pair of strong qualifying efforts.
Bob McClure guided Eternal Lee for Walker and owner/breeder Murray Ferguson. The rookie trotting filly unleashed a :27.3 final-quarter to track down Lady Montague, who was in search of a coast-to-coast victory.
A $2 win ticket on Eternal Lee returned $3.90.
Clockwork Orange, who won a first leg division along with Dabra Day, did not compete in Thursday’s second leg.
The series finales of the Millard Farms and Pure Ivory will take place next Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Live racing continues Friday evening at the Campbellville oval. Post time is 7 p.m.
(Woodbine Mohawk Park)
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.