WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 – Everything went according to plan for driver Trevor Henry and three-year-old trotting colt Olympic Son as the duo captured the first Gold Series Leg of the 2015 season at the harness racing meeting at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Wednesday evening.
Starting from Post 3 in the $52,500 contest, Henry sent Olympic Son directly to the front and the colt cruised along unchallenged to a two and one half length victory in 1:58.2.
Luck O The Irish and fan favourite Covert Operative finished second and third.
"I kind of wanted to be on the front with him," said Henry of the Majestic Son colt. "I know he's good on a half – I won at Hanover with him last year – so that's kind of where I wanted to be."
A two-time winner at the Grassroots level last season, Olympic Son is trained by Paul Reid for owner-breeder Robert Key of Leechburg, PA.
The second division saw local favourite El Diablo Hall match the 1:58.2 clocking, sailing under the wire four and one-half lengths ahead of Namesmuscle and Concept.
El Diablo Hall is trained by Anthony Montini for London's Dale Hunter, Rick Podolinsky of Alvinston, Albina Montini of Acton and Paul Giammichele of Burlington.
The win marked the first start of the season for Windsong Espoir son El Diablo Hall, who was the Grassroots Final runner-up at two.
Lightly rated Winning Wizard and driver Paul MacDonell conjured up a win in the third division, reeling in the favourites down the stretch to claim the 1:57.1 victory.
Favourite Hemi Seelster finished one-quarter length back in second with Alacrity rounding out the top three.
Richard "Nifty" Norman conditions Winning Wizard and Neven Botica of Perth, Australia owns the gelded son of Kadabra, who was making his first appearance in an Ontario Sires Stakes winner's circle.
Fan favourite Rubber Duck took home the final Gold Series trophy of the evening, halting the teletimer at 1:57.3 in his Ontario Sires Stakes debut.
Platoon Seelster and Jayport All Muscle completed the triactor.
Sylvain Filion engineered the win for trainer Julie Walker and owners Blair and Erna Corbeil of Beaumont, AB. The 1:57.3 win established a new personal best for the son of Muscle Mass.
The three-year-old trotting colts make their second Gold Series stop at Mohawk Racetrack on June 30, while Ontario Sires Stakes action races back to The Raceway at Western Fair District this Friday, May 29.
As part of Friday's Molson Pace night, Ontario's exciting three-year-old pacing colts will warm up the crowd in three $70,000 Gold Series divisions before the country's top aged pacers take the track in the evening's $150,000 finale.
In addition to the outstanding racing – highlighted on the large trackside video board – fans can enter to win prizes, try their luck at four guaranteed pool wagers, and join the Molson Party on the Patio.
Post time for Friday's festivities is 7:15 pm.
Ontario Horse Racing – Check site here – www.ontariohorseracing.caF