DRESDEN, ON — Track records fell in Ontario Sires Stakes action all over the province this weekend and Dresden Raceway was no exception. In the third of six Grassroots divisions for the three-year-old trotting colts, J Ls Sunny Boy carved one-fifth of a second off the half-mile track’s speed barrier with a 1:59.4 victory.
Driver Wayne Henry sent J Ls Sunny Boy after the lead early and took control of the race just past the :29 opening quarter. The Must B Sunny colt led the field through a :59.3 half and 1:29 three-quarters before pulling away to the impressive seven and a half length victory over Meadago Lavec and Lavic Dol.
Trainer Ross Henry of Arthur, a three-time winner of the Ontario Sires Stakes Johnston Cup trainer award, shares ownership on J Ls Sunny Boy with breeder James Laverty of Sauble Beach. The win was the colt’s fourth in six start this season and his second in Grassroots action. A third in the June 8 Grassroots event gives J Ls Sunny Boy 112 points after three of six events, putting him in second spot in the division standings.
The impressive miles continued throughout the Canada Day matinee. Daniel Daley and Armbro Warrior stopped the clock in 2:00.2 in the thirteenth race, also going gate-to-wire in their second Grassroots victory. The Mr Lavec son hit the wire one and three-quarter lengths in front of M Rene Lavec and Carrland Buddy.
Annmari Daley of Coral Springs, FL and Robert Pergament of Boca Raton, FL share ownership on Armbro Warrior, who moved into third spot in the division standings with the win.
Two races later St Patricks Gold clocked a 2:00 victory when he fended off Bizziman through the stretch. Under pressure through much of the mile, trainer-driver Paul Mackenzie and St Patricks Gold held on for a head decision at the wire. S S G Stables of North Boston, NY own the Brisco Hanover gelding, who also posted a neck victory in the May 18 Grassroots season opener at Woodstock Raceway.
E B Hamer rounded out the top three in Race 15, finishing well back with broken equipment.
The other Grassroots divisions went to Pitandthepandulum, Remember A Friend in 2:03.1 and Muskoka Connection in 2:01.4.
The sophomore trotting colts enjoy a long summer break before convening in Hanover Raceway on Aug. 17 for their fourth Grassroots event. Ontario Sires Stakes excitement will return to Dresden Raceway on Aug. 5 with Grassroots divisions for the two-year-old trotting fillies.