Poof Shes Gone ran her unbeaten streak to five while establishing a new stakes record of 1:55.2 in one of two divisions of the Champlain Stakes for two-year-old filly trotters on Monday night at Mohawk Racetrack
. The other division fell to Angostura in a sharp clocking of 1:56.1
Paul MacDonell was subbing for regular driver David Miller behind Poof Shes Gone and had the filly away in fourth position early from post one. MacDonell then wasted no time in moving his charge to the front in the second quarter and she led the rest of the way.
The daughter of Kadabra-Travelin Superlite finished more than two lengths ahead of a fast-closing Tequila Slammer with Royal Clout closing up to finish another four lengths back in third. The winner returned a paltry $2.40.
“She’s a very impressive filly, she did that very handily and under wraps,” said driver Paul MacDonell. “She has a great future ahead of her. She made the lead down the backstretch pretty much on her own terms, and I basically pulled the plugs and kept her alert down the stretch and never asked her for too much. She was well within herself in 1:55.2.”
Poof Shes Gone improved her overall record this season to five wins in six starts for owners Mel Hartman and John Fielding of Ontario, Herb Liverman of Florida and David McDuffee of New Hampshire. The lion’s share of the $156,328 purse improved the Richard Norman trainee’s earnings to just over $440,000.
In the second division, which went for a purse of $154,328, Trevor Ritchie was able to work out a perfect two-hole trip for Angostura and the Angus Hall-Peluso filly got up late between rivals to score a narrow victory.
Ruffles was able to land the place spot with race favourite Cantab It Hall finishing within three-quarters of a length back in third. Angostura was sent off as the second choice in the wagering and kicked back $5.70 to win.
“She can roll out of there nice and that can be pretty handy, it’s certainly a big asset. I was a little impatient down the backstretch. I was going to go back around to the front, but Ronnie (Ron Pierce - driving pacesetting Ruffles) decided I wasn’t, so I dropped back in behind him. I got lucky late in the lane when things opened up and she trotted through strong.”
It was the third win in just four career tries for Angostura who is owned and trained by Dan Creighton of Strathroy, Ontario. The victory vaulted her past $138,000 in seasonal earnings.
Both winners are eligible to the upcoming Peaceful Way Stakes with eliminations scheduled for next Monday night at Mohawk.
(WEG)
To view Monday’s harness racing results, click here.