ELORA, ON — Three Of Clubs returned to Grand River Raceway on Friday evening for the first time since capturing the Battle Of Waterloo Final and cruised right back to the winner’s circle.
In spite of starting from Post 7 in the second $70,000 Gold Series division, driver Doug McNair of Guelph fired Three Of Clubs straight to the front, reaching the opening quarter in :27. The Mach Three son sailed along to a :56.2 half and 1:25.3 three-quarters before accelerating away from the two-year-old pacing colt field to a four length win in 1:55. Marco De Vie and Twin B Spy rounded out the top three.
Trainer Gregg McNair of Guelph, Tony Lawrence of Hanover and Shady Hill Racing Stable of Durham share ownership of Three Of Clubs, who boosted his record to four wins and two thirds in seven starts.
Team McNair had another exceptional night over their hometown oval, landing in the winner’s circle for a second time with Crafty Master in the last division. Doug McNair employed a come-from-behind strategy with Crafty Master, reeling in the leaders through the final turn and sprinting home to a four and one-quarter length win in 1:55.1. Fan favourite Arthur Blue Chip finished second after making an early break and Victor Bayama was third.
Gregg McNair conditions Crafty Master for Robert Hamather of Exeter. Through seven starts the Mister Big son has accumulated three wins and one third.
The other Gold Series division was captured by Bugger Bruiser and Guelph resident Anthony MacDonald, who battled to a one-half length win over favourite Play It Again Sam and Weatherly. The 1:54.2 victory was the second straight for the Believeinbruiser gelding, who is trained by Carmen Auciello for Denarben Stables of Thornhill and Rocco Auciello of Stouffville.
The two-year-old pacing colts will wrap up their regular season at Mohawk Racetrack on Sept. 20, the same night Grand River Raceway hosts the regular season finale for the two-year-old pacing fillies and trotting fillies.
For complete results please go to Grand River Raceway Results