Trainer-driver Alex MacNeil swept a pair of $1,200 second leg Octoberfest Pacing Series divisions for aged pacers with veteran Mitchs Ceilidh and repeat winner Game Zac on Saturday at Northside Downs
.
With the inside advantage, Mitchs Ceilidh, took control of the four-horse field in the opening second leg division, a non-wagering event, and cruised to a three and three-quarter victory in a season's-best 1:57.4. Shifty Shadow and Carey Romeo came on for second over pocket-sitter Romanie Ranger and Campbell MacIsaac. First leg winner Truth Or Dare and Ryan Campbell rounded out the field after a long first over trip.
MacNeil owns the 13-year-old son of Kingsbridge, who recorded his fourth win in 23 seasonal starts and 54th lifetime. He finished fourth in round one.
Game Zac pulled off the repeat victory in the series as he rallied home from third, five lengths off the lead, to score in 1:58 in the second wagering division by one length over pacesetter Sir Dutch and Bruce McGean. Woodmere Westerner and Greg Sparling came on for third. D Island Rebel and Greg Bailey finished fourth while pocket-sitter Aahm Cruisin and Alex MacQuarrie rounded out the five-horse field.
The six-year-old son of Expensive Scooter, who has won seven of his 25 starts this year, is owned by Kevin Gillis of Windsor, Ont. He paid $3.20 to win was the odds-on favourite.
This week's $700 Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace was won by seven-year-old Park Place mare Shes Got Appeal and driver, trainer and owner Harold LeBlanc Jr. in 2:00.2. She rallied three-wide off cover at the third quarter mark and sprinted past pacesetter Camilla Jet and Bruce McGean to record her sixth win in 27 starts this year. The winning margin was two and a half lengths. Favourite Miss All Fun and Rodney Gillis were third.
For results from Saturday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.