Second-graders in grassroots work at Mohawk

Woodbine Mohawk Park hosted three Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots harness races for three-year-old colts and geldings on Friday (July 19).

Sports activator (Sports journalist) won his second Grassroots race of the season in Division One. Louis-Philippe Roy activated him from the third gap in the home straight and the colt fought his way to the front to win by half a length in 1:51.2. Always A Thrill (Sylvain Filion) stayed second ahead of Tamworth Boy (Jody Jamieson).

SPORT ACTIVATOR REPEAT

Sports Activator has now won six of 10 this season and has landed in the Exactor race in eight consecutive starts. The Mike Armstrong-trained colt has eight wins and earned $77,961 in 17 races for owners Lee Cullen of Ottawa and Lloyd Howley of Kars.

Chain Gang (Bettors enjoyTrevor Henry) won his first Ontario Sires Stakes race since winning gold at two in Division Two. The colt took the lead out of the box just after the quarter pole and held off Century Komodo down the homestretch to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:50.3. Gigitygigitygigity (Tyler Borth) was well back in third.

CHAIN ​​GANG REPEAT

Chain Gang has won two consecutive starts, his first two of the season in four attempts. Nick Gallucci trains the homebred sophomore for Millar Farms of Stouffville. Chain Gang has five wins and $180,174 in 12 career starts.

In the third split, Mcpleasant (McwickedJames MacDonald) claimed his first Ontario Sires Stakes victory in a surprise closing stretch. The 28-1 winner was in third place on the final turn, went wide on the home stretch and passed five of his opponents to win in 1:50.3. The Vicar (Tyler Moore) was a clear second, with Dancelike Eh Skippr (Bob McClure) completing the final sprint.

MCPLEASANT REPEAT

Mcpleasant made his debut this year for Tony Beaton, who trains and owns the colt with Dave Mercer of Westmount. He has won three of nine appearances, including his last. The three-year-old has earned $29,610.

The next race at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, July 20, includes the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Mid-Season Finals for three-year-old trotters of both sexes. The first start is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT.

The complete race results can be found Click here.

from Nicholas Barnsdalefor Harnesslink