CAMPBELLVILLE, April 21 – The tag-team of McNair and Reid were unstoppable in Thursday's second round of the Celias Counsel Trotting Series at Mohawk Racetrack.
A group of 20 three-year-old trotting fillies were split into two 10-horse $16,000 divisions for the second leg of the three-week series. Driver Doug McNair and trainer Paul Reid teamed up to sweep both divisions with a pair of Bob Key homebreds.
Hills Angel was looking for a repeat of her first leg win in the night's first division, but longshot Treasure Gifts K had different plans.
Driven by McNair, Treasure Gifts K hustled off the wings of the gate to get away second at odds of 40/1. Miami Magic posted an opening-quarter of :28.4, but surrendered the lead in the second-quarter to Treasure Gifts K. Hills Angel, the 3/2 favourite, trotted along fourth and 10-lengths off the lead at the midway point.
Treasure Gifts K posted fractions of :58.1 and 1:27.1 to lead the field turning for home, while Hills Angel was six-lengths back in third. In the stretch, Miami Magic and Hills Angel did their best to track down the leader, but Treasure Gifts K brought her 'A' game and scored a maiden-breaking victory by two-lengths in 1:56.3.
A daughter of Deweycheatumnhowe, Treasure Gifts K is trained by Reid for owner Key. The sophomore trotting filly finished seventh in last week's first leg and was winless in three starts this year entering Thursday's contest.
Treasure Gifts K was making her 20th career start Thursday and pushed her career earnings over $33,000 with the victory. She paid $81.70 to win.
First-leg winners Windsong Magic and Wanaka headlined the second division, but just like Hills Angel, their winning momentum came to a stop thanks to McNair and Reid.
Flowers N Songs left from post-ten for McNair and found an early seat in seventh, while Wanaka found the front to post an opening-quarter of :28. Windsong Magic came charging up from fourth as the tempo slowed down and took the lead at the half in :59.3.
Outside flow developed entering the final-turn and McNair was able to place Flowers N Magic second-over. Windsong Magic posted a three-quarter time of 1:29.3 and led the field into the lane.
In the stretch, Wanaka was trapped in behind Windsong Magic and unable to found clear racing room. Flowers N Songs was able to come off cover and surge to the lead in deep stretch for a length and a half victory in 1:57.4. Windsong Magic held on for second, while Wanaka split through late to grab third.
Another daughter of Deweycheatumnhowe, Flowers N Songs picked up her fifth win of the season Thursday for owner/breeder Key. The sophomore trotting filly has finished either first or second in eight starts this season.
Unraced as a two-year-old, Flowers N Songs has banked $46,050 this season. She paid $12.10 to win.
In order to be eligible to the Celias Counsel, the three-year-old trotting fillies had to be non-winners of $30,000 in 2015.
The Celias Counsel will wrap up next Thursday with the $33,200 final. The top-ten earners from the preliminary legs to enter will compete in the final.
Live racing continues Friday night at Mohawk Racetrack. Post time is 7:30 p.m.
Mark McKelvie – WEG Communications