Dull Roar emerged victorious from the clash of the three-year-old pacing colt titans at Clinton Raceway on Sunday afternoon and heads into the post season on a three-race Grassroots win streak.
Starting from the outside Post 7, Dull Roar and driver Jody Jamieson were sent off as the second favourites behind reigning Grassroots champion Panpero Firpo and driver Billy Davis Jr. Getting away fifth on the rail, Dull Roar was able to draft up the outside behind Panpero Firpo, who was going head-to head with pacesetter Mach Set Go.
Heading by the three-quarters Jamieson sent Dull Roar out three-wide around the dueling leaders and the colt accelerated away to a two length lead. Classic Gent mounted a late challenge in the stretch, but Dull Roar was able to keep a nose in front to secure the 1:55.3 victory. Classic Gent took home the second-place share of the $18,000 Grassroots purse and Ja El Pocketrocket completed the top three.
Jamieson engineered the win for trainer Jeff Gillis of Hillsburgh, who shares ownership of the Mach Three colt with Ken Henwood of Vaughan, Mac Nichol of Burlington and Gerald Stay of Buffalo, NY. The colt’s third straight Grassroots win bumped him to the top of the division point standings.
One race later Panongahela closed out the regular season with a flawless record of four Grassroots wins in four appearances. The No Pan Intended son and driver Bill Davis Jr. cruised along on the front end to reach the wire two and one-quarter lengths on top in 1:56.2. Thorn In Your Side and Pointsman rounded out the top three.
David Menary conditions Panongahela for owner-breeder Peter Pan Stables Inc. of Pepper Pike, OH.
Jamieson and Gillis teamed up for a second victory with Santanna One, who locked up a berth in the post season with his 1:56.2 clocking in Race 3, and father-son team Gregg and Doug McNair captured the remaining Grassroots division, posing with Southwind Amazon after his 1:56.4 score in the first race. All four of the afternoon’s winners secured one of 10 berths in the Sept. 21 Grassroots Championships at Mohawk Racetrack.
Sunday’s program wrapped up another outstanding Ontario Sires Stakes season at Clinton Raceway, which hosted four Grassroots divisions in 2013.
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To view results for Sunday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Sunday Results – Clinton Raceway.