LONDON, OCT. 26, 2001 — The track was good at Western Fair Raceway in London Friday night, but with temperatures at a nippy 2 degrees and rain mixed with slush falling from the skies it was a chilly time track-side for Ontario Sires Stakes fans.
However, in a pair of $50,454 Gold Series Eliminations, ten two-year-old pacing fillies gave enthusiasts something to cheer about.
In the first Elimination the precocious Precious Delight posted a wire-to-wire effort in a time of 2:01.2 to push her unbeaten streak to eight.
With veteran reinsman Steve Condren in the race bike, the Precious Bunny filly grabbed an early lead and kept her head out in front all the way around the half-mile oval to earn top honours. Finishing in second and third-place behind the dominant Precious Delight were Imoutahere and Go Alberta Go.
Peter Heffering of Port Perry bred and owns the talented miss, who has been flawless since her August debut. Friday’s victory made her eligible for the season ending Super Final and boosted her point total to a perfect 150 from three Gold Series starts.
The win by the Duane Marfisi trained youngster returned $2.50 and $2.50 to place. There was no show wagering in either provincial Elimination at London this evening.
The other Gold Series Elimination also featured a dominant wire-to-wire performance by division leader Lady Graceful. Conditioned by Bob McIntosh for owner Robert Waxman of Ancaster, the Camluck filly paced around the Western Fair oval unchallenged to stop the clock at 2:03 and return $3.30 and $3.70 to her fans.
Oven Mitt and Angel In Disguise rounded out the top three in the eleventh race.
The top four performers from each Elimination will return to Western Fair Raceway on Nov. 2 for their last Gold Final, which will feature the first head-to-head battle between Precious Delight and Lady Graceful.
In the meantime, Ontario Sires Stakes racing continues when the two-year-old trotting colts tear-up the track in London Saturday evening in their Gold Series Eliminations.