Three heavy favourites lost Monday (July 1) in four divisions of Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Grassroots for three-year–old trotting fillies at Dresden Raceway.
Splurge On Me was the only morning-line favourite to visit the winner’s circle in the first division as she cruised to victory for driver Trevor Henry, setting fractions of 30.4, 1:03.2, 1:35.2 for a mile time of 2:03.2. The three-year-old Kadabra filly has pushed her earnings to over $70,000 for trainer and co-owner Bob McIntosh Stables and CSX Stables.
Magically Hip cashed in on an early break by favourite Justice Society and went wire to wire in the second division of OSS for trainer-driver Paul Walker. The Angus Hall daughter cut fractions of :28.4, 1:00.1, 1:31.4 and a mile time of 2:01.3 for Oaklea Farms.
Favourite Class Angel broke stride leaving, which opened the door for Checkmate Titan and trainer-driver Per Henriksen to get to the front and hold off all comers in fractions of :30.1, 1:01.1, 1:30.4 and 2:00.3. The E L Titan filly is owned by Harbour Racing Stable and Asa Farm.
The fourth division of OSS saw P L Molly and driver-trainer Matt Dupuis time it perfectly to nip Witches N Angels at the wire. Giving It All and Tyler Borth set fractions of :29.3, 1:00.2, 1:32.2 with Witches N Angels in the two hole. Witches N Angels pulled out for the stretch drive but P L Molly stormed up to win in 2:01.4. The Royalty For Life filly is owned by Prince Lee Acres.
The second leg of the Mark Austin Pacing Series has things set up for an exciting final next week as Premier Rockstar and Ryan Holiday used a two-hole trip to nip Toxic Hanover in 1:58. The three-year-old A Rocknroll Dance gelding is owned by Premier and Associates and trained by Robert Young.
The second division saw Nagle and driver-trainer Keith Jones cruise to a 1:58.2 victory for Joy Simmons. The three-year-old Dali gelding will be a force to be reckoned with for next week’s final.
The Canada Day Handle for the nine race card at Dresden Raceway as $34,762.
(with files from Dresden Raceway)
To view Monday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Monday Results - Dresden Raceway.