BELLEVILLE — St Lads Abby scored the fastest win in five Grassroots divisions for the three-year-old trotting fillies at Quinte Raceway on Monday afternoon, hitting the wire eight lengths in front of the competition in 2:04.2.
Wayne Henry sent St Lads Abby after the lead just past the :30.4 opening quarter and the Incredible Abe daughter easily wrested control of the race from Dun Coup D’Oeil. Henry and St Lads Abby then took the field through fractions of 1:01.1 and 1:32.4 pulling away with every step. Northern Pixie finished second and Norwell Jalapeno was promoted to third after Dun Coup D’Oeil interfered with her heading to the three-quarter mile pole.
Wayne Henry, his brother Trevor and father Ross, who trains the filly, share ownership on the winner of $33,506, the second of two Henry Stable trotters to appear in the Quinte winner’s circle on Victoria Day.
In the fifth race Wayne teamed Zorgwijk Dutchess to a 2:05 come-from-behind win over early pacesetter Jilted and Rapid Duchess. The Henry’s share ownership on Zorgwijk Dutchess with James Laverty of Sauble Beach.
Last year’s Grassroots champion Designable returned to her winning ways in the first division, stopping the clock at 2:04.4 with a late rush past leader Sephora. The Earl daughter and trainer-driver Wayne Langille had to overcome the outside Post 7 to score their first Ontario Sires Stakes win of the 2003 season. Harley resident Langille shares ownership on the winner of $123,780 with James Barton of Branchton, Jeff Adamson of Brantford and Terence Adamson of Harley.
Gadget Girl and driver Kelvin Rose returned the largest pay out of the five Grassroots divisions when they overtook fan favourites Wayne Henry and Taffeta Seelster through the final turn and trotted home to a two length score in 2:06.3.
The Balanced Image filly, trained by Rocco Auciello for Paul and Glenn Van Camp of Port Perry, was making her first lifetime start and had to overcome a miscue behind the starting gate to record the win. Fans who selected Gadget Girl as their top choice earned $24.70, $5.60 and $5.90 for their faith.
Morning Dream edged out Taffeta Seelster for the second-place finisher’s share of the $19,882 purse.
The final division went to trainer-driver Willis Jones and Sarahs Crown, who also had to overcome Post 7 to score the 2:06.3 victory for owners David McGurran of Barrie and Shirley Jones of Innisfil. Favourite Sweet Face Glory had to settle for the runner-up spot while long shot Raw Gem held on for third.
The three-year-old trotting fillies continue their 2003 Grassroots tour at Sudbury Downs on July 12. Ontario Sires Stakes action does not return to Quinte Raceway until Monday, Aug. 4, but the arrival of the exciting three-year-old pacing colts for their third Grassroots event will be well worth the wait.