Talented three-year-old pacing colt Saulsbrook Ian had trouble minding his manners during the latter part of his solid sophomore season, but he was on his best behaviour during the qualifying session at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday, Nov. 24.
Nytro J (Trevor Henry) was bullish on the front end during the session's third qualifier, clearing to the top just after the :29.1 opening panel and then sprinting away from his rivals. A four-length advantage at the :57 widened to more than five at the 1:25.3 third station. Saulsbrook Ian, meanwhile, sat unhurried but anxious in fourth for James MacDonald, more than eight lengths off the pacesetter.
As the field straightened for home, MacDonald tugged that right line and gave Saulsbrook Ian his cue to close. The strides on Nytro J started to shorten, while Saulsbrook Ian's stayed straight and strong. With MacDonald motionless, Saulsbrook Ian's :27.1 final quarter proved the difference as he hit the wire a half length ahead of Nytro J with the mile timed in 1:54.2. Wry (Chris Matthews) finished third.
Kyle Fellows handles the conditioning on Saulsbrook Ian (Betterthancheddar - Atlanta Girl) for owner Red Oak Stables of Charlottetown, P.E.I. The gelding was a nine-time winner in his east coast campaign, amassing a 9-1-1 summary from 14 starts with $31,086 in earnings.
The full video stream from the qualifying session is available below.
For results from the qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers).