It was a tough night for the favourites at Mohawk Racetrack in Thursday's OSS Gold Series eliminations for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings.
There were three eliminations, each worth $40,000, contested to decide the line-up for next week's $120,000 final.
Aloft erupted for a 45-1 shocker in the opening tilt for driver Luc Ouellette and trainer Paul Buer.
The son of Angus Hall uncorked a :27.4 final quarter to prevail by three-quarters of a length over Sin To Win. Hibbler, who was sent off as the 2-5 favourite, survived deep stretch steering difficulties to finish third in the 1:58.1 affair.
Lynda Stewart bred and shares ownership on the colt with Robert Stewart of Lexington, KY. It was the youngster's second win of the season in five starts, and the lion's share of the purse bumped his earnings to $38,000.
Striking Lindsey gave Luc Ouellette the sweep of the Daily Double at Mohawk Racetrack thanks to his 1:57.4 maiden-breaking score in the second elimination.
The homebred son of Striking Sahbra, who is trained by Gregg McNair for owner Kenneth Sommer of Sheffield, OH, sped the field through fractions of :28.1, :59.2 and 1:29 en route to the 1:57.4 victory.
My Friend, who was sent off as the 8-5 choice, overcame traffic troubles to finish second. Senator Hall tagged along to finish third.
Winning Mister front-stepped his way to a 7-1 upset in the third trotting tilt for the duo of trainer Keith Klages and driver Randy Waples.
Waples sat third to the quarter pole before brushing to command, and that proved to be the winning move. Play Right sat a pocket trip throughout and finished second. Third prize went to Dr Cal.
The homebred son of Angus Hall, who is owned by Bob Key of Leechburg, PA, now boasts a 2-1-1 record and earnings of $46,400 in 10 lifetime starts.
The two-year-old trotting colts and geldings will return to Mohawk Racetrack next Thursday evening to contest the final. Here's how they'll line up on the starting gate:
$120,000 OSS Gold Series Final
1. Sin To Win
2. Striking Lindsey
3. Play Right
4. My Friend
5. Matador Bo
6. Hibbler
7. Winning Mister
8. Aloft
9. Dr Cal
10. Senator Hall