INNISFIL, ON — There were some surprise claims laid during Georgian Downs’ Gold Rush event on Saturday evening as the favourite failed to pan out in three of four $130,000 Gold Finals.

First of the fan’s selections to falter was three-year-old trotting filly Lukes Sophie who made a late break that saw her fade to the rear of the field. The sparkling Gold Final trophy went to Peach Martini and trainer-driver Rick Zeron, who led for much of the mile and then triumphed in a fierce stretch battle with Oh Sweet Baby. The fillies finished just half a length apart in 1:55, two lengths ahead of third-place finisher Eagle Canada.

Oakville resident Zeron conditions Peach Martini for his partners Michael Katz of Thornhill, Stephen Waldman of Toronto and Rojan Stables of Wilimington, DE. The win was the Striking Sahbra daughter’s second straight; she also captured her elimination at Georgian Downs last weekend. Through five sophomore starts Peach Martini now boasts a record of two wins, two seconds and one third for earnings of $137,913.

The second Gold Elimination featured the biggest upset; as lightly rated Look Cheap sprinted home to a three-quarter length triumph over fan favourite Modern Connection. Modern Connection had battled reigning Gold Final champion Village Janus throughout the race, and simply could not hold off Look Cheap in the lane. The pair finished just ahead of third-place finisher Waasmula.

Robert Shepherd crafted the 1:51.2 score for trainer Rod Boyd and owner Tom Hill of Lancashire, GB. The mile marked a personal best for the Grinfromeartoear daughter, who now sports a record of three wins, two seconds and one third in nine sophomore starts. The victory doubled the filly’s lifetime earnings to $135,550.

Trotting colt Tamarind and driver Sylvain Filion employed a front end strategy in the third Gold Final and were able to hold off a charging Imperial Count to earn a neck victory in 1:54. Fan favourite Daylon Magician suffered interference at the three-quarters and had to settle for the third-place share of the $130,000 purse.

Mark Steacy trains Tamarind for Landmark III Racing Stable of Elginburg, David Reid of Glenburnie and Stan Klemencic of Trenton. Through seven starts the Angus Hall son boasts a record of four wins and one second for earnings of $108,000.

The last Gold Final on the program was the only one that saw the fan favourite deliver the goods. Track record holder Watermelonwine took control of the race heading for the half and from there it was all smooth sailing for the Life Sign colt and driver Scott Zeron. Mystician picked up the second-place finisher’s share, while Prodigal Seelster, Watermelonwine’s stablemate in the Dave Menary barn, finished third.

Menary trains Watermelonwine for Brad Gray of Dundas, and the pacer is now four for six this season.

Georgian Downs fans barely have enough time to recover from the Gold Rush festivities before the Ontario Sires Stakes program makes another stop at the Innisfil oval. This Tuesday, July 12 Georgian Downs plays host to the two-year-old pacing colts in their second Grassroots event.

For complete results please go to: Georgian Downs Results — July 9, 2011