WOODSTOCK, ON — In spite of trainer Stephen Gillard’s concern that racing at her home track might serve as a disadvantage, Rhiannon O Rhye trounced a field of two-year-old pacing fillies in Trillium Series action at Woodstock Raceway on Saturday.
The Gypsys Hellion daughter and driver Jody Jamieson cruised easily out of Post 8 into fourth position, took control going past the halfway marker and waved good bye to the field, sailing under the wire seven lengths in front. The 2:01.3 effort was Rhiannon O Rhye’s first victory, but not her first impressive effort. She and Jamieson were second in the fastest Trillium division at Georgian Downs on June 25 and fourth in the Elimination and Final of the Gold Series season opener at Woodbine Racetrack.
Tavistock resident Gillard bred and owns the winner of $28,222, who was sent off as the fan’s second choice behind Nadine Seelster, who finished a distanced seventh. Warrawee Echo and Armbro Arrow rounded out the top three positions in the eighth race.
Change Of Address scored the fastest mile of the five divisions, blasting by the finish line in a track record equalling 1:59.4. The Die Laughing daughter now shares the two-year-old pacing filly speed mark with former Ontario Sires Stakes performer Royas Tania.
Also a winner in the season opening Grassroots at Elmira Raceway, Change Of Address bumped her earnings over $20,00 for owner Thomas Lawson of London. Daryl Roberts trains the talented pacer and Ray McLean, Jr. was in the race bike for Saturday’s victory.
Penny Artcade and Wheres The Toast paced in for second and third, while another favourite, Dreams To Remember, trailed in last in the field of seven.
Favourite Strong Type was also upset in the ninth race, which went to Murray Brethour and Ascending in 2:00. In her provincial debut, Ascending logged the perfect mile, sitting second through the first half and then stepping out to the lead and pulling away to a three length victory. Brethour trains the Camluck lass for Paul Lindsey of Fergus and Springwater Stables and Dean Lockhart of Collingwood.
The other two divisions went to Dilemma in 2:00.3 and O See My Bo in 2:00.4. The two-year-old pacing fillies make their next Gold Series start at Rideau Carleton Raceway on July 19, while the Grassroots competitors head for Georgian Downs on July 20. The third and final Trillium Series event on their schedule is Oct. 8 at Flamboro Downs.
Ontario Sires Stakes action returns to Woodstock Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 31 with the exciting three-year-old trotting fillies in their Grassroots wild card.