DUNDAS, ON — For The Luva Moni served up an impressive Gold Elimination victory at Flamboro Downs on Sunday evening, trotting to a come-from-behind victory in 1:58.3, just two-fifths of a second off the track record for three-year-old trotting fillies.
The Balanced Image lass and driver Shane Weber eased off the gate into fourth spot and took aim on the leaders heading toward the halfway marker. By the three-quarters the duo had reached the front and from there they simply cruised home to the two and a half length victory over Dream Alone, with third-place finisher Clarice Marie four more lengths to the rear.
Trainer Dr. John Hayes of Beamsville shares ownership on For The Luva Moni with Ned Gvoich of Beamsville and Kim Kaplan of Worcester, MA. The win was the filly’s third straight and her third in Gold Series action this season, putting her solidly atop the division standing with 200 points.
Wescott maintained her runner-up position in the Super Final point race with a narrow victory in the first Gold Elimination. After carving all the fractions the Wesgate Crown daughter and driver Keith Oliver dug in at the wire to keep a nose in front of the fast closing Chelemark Ginger, while favourite Queen of Jewels could only manage a third-place finish three lengths to the rear.
David Jannone trains Wescott for Wescott LLC of Neenah, WI, who have banked $148,202 on the filly’s behalf this season.
The final elimination went to North To Alaska, who was making her first appearance in the Gold Series winner’s circle in spite of earning 105 points. The Valleymeister daughter and driver Ron Waples stalked pacesetter Wanabeamillionaire through fractions of :29, 1:01 and 1:31 before turning on the speed through the lane. Charging down the stretch Waples gave North To Alaska a patented hall of fame steer to earn her the nose victory over Oaklea Lizzy, piloted by his son Randy Waples, while Wanabeamillionaire settled for third in the 2:00.3 mile.
Catherine Stewart and trainer Kevin Davidson of Campbellville share ownership on North To Alaska, who has made a career out of being a bridesmaid this season, posting two wins, six seconds and one third through 17 starts.
The top three fillies from each elimination will return to Flamboro Downs next Sunday, Oct. 5 for the second last $130,000 Gold Final of their Ontario Sires Stakes careers. Before that Flamboro Downs fans will be treated to three Trillium Series divisions for the two-year-old pacing fillies on Friday, Oct. 3.