Federal Flex and Hibbler both kept undefeated streaks intact while Manningly took the other split in Sunday's trio of Champlain Stakes divisions for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters at Mohawk Racetrack.
Federal Flex sat off the pace in third position through opening splits of :27 and :57.3 in his $111,636 division before making his move to challenge in the third quarter. He was right up alongside the tempo-setting Top Chef at the third marker in 1:27.3.
Once the field straightened up for home, the son of Muscles Yankee turned on the afterburners and easily trotted clear of the field for driver Jody Jamieson in a time of 1:56.1. Russell Hill finished 4-1/2 lengths back in second with All Cantab rounding out the top three.
Federal Flex, trained by Carl Jamieson, is now perfect in three starts for Ken Henwood, Jeff Gillis and Jody Jamieson's numbered company, 1140545 Ontario Ltd. The winner's share of the purse vaulted him past $90,000 in seasonal earnings.
Manningly turned in a sharp two-move effort in taking the second split, worth $113,636, for Steve Condren in a time of 1:57.2. The son of Yankee Glide dug in late in the mile to hold off longshot Celebrity Legacy with Play Right rounding out the top three.
It was the third win in six starts this season for the Larry Rathbone trainee who is owned by M And L Of Delaware Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware.
The colt was disqualified from the win position in his previous start at Tioga Downs when his entrymate in the contest violated the breaking rules. Manningly now sits with just over $65,000 in seasonal earnings.
In the final $113,636 division, it was Hibbler also keeping his undefeated streak going with a fourth consecutive victory in 1:56.1. The clocking was a new personal best for the son of Striking Sahbra who was making his first start for new owner Gordon Rumpel of Calgary, Alberta.
Rumpel purchased the colt following his third start and moved him into the care of longtime training associate Harry Poulton.
On Sunday night, Hibbler got away third in the early going for driver Rick Zeron who sent him to command just past the :58 second opening half. From there, no one was able to get by his wheel and he easily fended off Encore Encore with Pointe Of Honour landing the show spot.
Hibbler improved his lifetime earnings to just over $145,000 with the victory.
Federal Flex and Manningly are both eligible to the upcoming William Wellwood Memorial Trot at Mohawk with eliminations slated for next Sunday night.
(WEG)
To view Sunday's results, click here.