Two-year-old trotting colts and geldings flocked to Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday evening to contest a trio of OSS Grassroots divisions.
The points leader in the division, Royale Elite, used a strong, stretch rally to capture his $19,500 assignment for driver James MacDonald.
Royale Elite was tucked into an early three-hole while race favourite Judge Ken rolled to the lead and supplied the field with fractions of :28.2, :59.2 and 1:28.3. Judge Ken had a solid lead halfway down the lane, but it wasn’t enough for the favourite to fend off Royale Elite, who shook loose late and fired home in :29 to win by a neck over Judge Ken in 1:58.3. Arcanum took home the show dough.
Mark Steacy trains the homebred son of Royalty For Life-Day Dream for Hudson Standrdbrd Stb Inc of Hudson, QC. It was the third Grassroots tally of the season for the youngster who pushed his earnings over $30,000 with the win.
A Royal Line turned a two-hole trip into a career-best clocking of 1:56.4 for driver Trevor Henry in the second division.
Henry gained the garden spot with the Bob McIntosh trainee who stalked tempo-setter Windsong Patriot through fractions of :28, :58.1 and 1:27.4. Henry angled A Royal Line to the outside at the head of the lane, and the gelding stormed home in :28.3 to win by a half-length margin over Windsong Patriot. Cousin Peter was a well-beaten third.
The homebred son of Royalty For Life-Direct Dial improved his rookie record to 3-1-1 from seven trips to the track. Robert McIntosh Stables Inc, Mardon Stables and Dave Boyle share ownership on the freshman who pushed his earnings past $40,000 with the win.
Lariat Seelster dug down deep in the closing strides and came away victorious in the final division over a determined runner-up named Magical Journey.
It was Magical Journey who took the early lead, and after he whacked out the opening quarter in :28.2 it was Lariat Seelster who pocket popped and drove to the front for driver Roger Mayotte. They proceeded to chop out middle fractions of :57.4 and 1:28 before renewing their rivalry with Magical Journey. Those colts squared off down the lane, with Lariat Seelster edging out Magical Journey by a head in 1:57.4. Rap Royalty took home the show dough.
It was a lifetime best performance for the son of Kadabra-Ladycane, who is owned by trainer Bob Young and partners Robert Deveau, Frank Chiaravalloti and Jaftica Stable. The two-time winner has banked over $20,000 to date.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.