The First Time and Newport Volo drew first blood in the opening leg of the Bridger Trotting Series for two-year-old colts and geldings on Thursday night at Mohawk Racetrack
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In the opening $20,000 contest, The First Time, making his first career start, showed good early speed off the gate for driver Rick Zeron and took the field past the opening marker in :29 seconds before yielding to an onrushing Rich Number in the second panel.
As the field passed the half in :59.2, race favourite Beer League went on the attack and was up beside the pacesetter at the third marker in 1:30 with The First Time gapping by a couple of lengths as the field turned for home.
Beer League was able to wear down the leader and appeared on his way to an easy win but The First Time hit his best stride late in the mile and surged past Beer League right at the wire for a 9-1 upset. Rich Number was able to hold on for the show spot in the 1:59.2 mile. The winner returned $21.60.
The First Time, trained by Tony O'Sullivan, was a $57,000 yearling purchase last Fall in Lexington and is a half sister to $848,639 winner Armbro Barrister. She is owned by Clay Horner of Toronto.
Newport Volo turned in a strong stretch rally to capture the second division from off the pace for driver Jody Jamieson in 1:59.1. The gelded son of Yankee Glide - Bank Of Newport was involved in a five-across-the-track finish but got his nose to the wire just in time over Arriba Amigo with Look Closer grabbing the show spot.
It was a maiden-breaking victory in just the second career start for the Jeff Gillis trainee who was a $92,000 yearling purchase at last Fall’s Lexington Sale. Gillis shares ownership of the trotter with 1140545 Ontario Ltd.
The Bridger Trotting Series will continue with second-round action during next Thursday night's card of harness racing at Mohawk.
For results, click here.
(WEG)