WINDSOR, ON — Object Of Art paced to a two length 1:54.2 victory at Windsor Raceway on Wednesday night, assuring trainer Doug McIntosh that he was more than ready for the step up to Grassroots competition.

The three-year-old son of Camluck and driver Jason Brewer started from Post 5 in the tenth race on Wednesday and moved quickly to the front of the seven horse field. By the halfway marker they had established a one and one-quarter length margin, and none of their peers were able to narrow the gap en route to the finish line. Dreamluck closed well to claim runner-up honours, while Dam Straight, owned by Nicholas Heinz of Essex and Rick Heinz of Campbellville, finished third.

Wheatley resident McIntosh bred and owns Object Of Art with Michael Dockendorf of Chicago, IL. Unraced at two, the gelding has posted some impressive early season statistics, capturing five of seven starts for earnings of $19,900.

Mark MacDonald matched Object Of Art’s win total on Wednesday, driving the victors of five of the 11 Grassroots divisions. Canada’s leading reinsman kicked off his sparking evening with a 1:53 victory aboard Bryn Tin Tin in the first race, hitting the wire six lengths ahead of Kevin Wallis and Alleluia Al and Randy Fritz and last year’s Grassroots champion Acceptable Risk.

Jill Arnold trains Bryn Tin Tin for Jerry Haynes of Adrian, MI and the Island Fantasy gelding made his second consecutive trip to the winner’s circle with the effort.

MacDonald was back in the winner’s circle three races later with Caught Off Guard, who hit the wire five lengths ahead of Billy Kay and Quality Import in 1:54. Jason Libby trains Grinfromeartoear son Caught Off Guard for Mike Shunock of Toronto and Alexander Polishuk of London.

In Race 7 MacDonald and Hyperion Hanover scored the fastest win of the 11 Grassroots divisions, stopping the Windsor teletimer at 1:52.2. Handicapped by Post 9, the pair floated down off the gate into fourth spot on the outside, but were quickly driving for the lead. On top by the half, Hyperion Hanover sailed home to a one and a half length win over Bend It and Don’t Make Waves.

The win was the second straight and third this season for Hyperion Hanover, a son of Camluck trained by Robert Don Fellows for S S G Stables of North Boston, NY.

Banana Joes Bar provided MacDonald with his fourth Grassroots photo opportunity, cruising to a front end victory in 1:54.2 over Hunter Hylight and The Joker. Anne Della Maestra of Waterdown owns the Northern Luck colt, who was trained to his first sophomore victory by John Ciarpelli.

Finally, MacDonald and Libby teamed up for a second trip in front of the Windsor grandstand with Nates Got A Grin. The Grinfromeartoear son, owned by breeders Allan Lockie and John Lockie of Zephyr and William Dorssers of Blenheim, hit the wire one and a half lengths ahead of Justice Cam and last year’s Gold Series champion Alastor Hanover in 1:55.1.

The other Grassroots divisions went to Robert Atkin trainees Rare Copy in 1:54.1 and Mythic Voyage in 1:54.2, and Albert In The City in 1:56, Stepaside Larry in 1:52.3 and Gems Greek in 1:55.2.

The three-year-old pacing colts will square off in their second Grassroots battle on June 10 at Woodstock Raceway. Ontario Sires Stakes excitement returns to Windsor Raceway one day later, Sunday, June 11, with Grassroots action for the three-year-old trotting colts.

For complete results please go to:

http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/results/data/rwrfwe.html