Atlas Ross improved to a perfect four-for-four and set a 1:51.2 career best while winning the lone $150,000 Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Gold Leg 3 event for 2-year-old pacing colts on Sunday (Aug. 16) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
It was the third OSS victory of Atlas Ross’ career and the second straight Gold score. The Gregg McNair trainee’s first OSS win was a Grassroots victory on July 5 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Sent off as the even-money favourite in the field of nine, Doug McNair settled Atlas Ross fourth in the early going from the rail post position, as Kerplunk (Tyler Borth) led the field to the :27.3 opening quarter. Moments later, Yes I Am Hanover (Bob McClure) took over the front, but McNair was also in pursuit, briefly took the lead and then relented the front to second choice Gogo Gadget (Jonathan Drury) who led the group to the :55.4 half. Gogo Gadget was still in charge at the 1:23.4 three-quarter pole, but both Big D Energy (Mark MacDonald) and Atlas Ross were closing. In the stretch, McNair sent Atlas Ross up the inside and, once clear of both Gogo Gadget and Big D Energy, Atlas Ross pulled away with authority to win by 1 ¾ lengths over a fast-closing Yes I Am Hanover.
“I wasn’t sure what was pacing on the inside, but once he shot through, he kind of exploded,” McNair told Woodbine broadcaster John Rallis. “He’s a really fast colt.”
Big D Energy was third, followed by Gogo Gadget and Kerplunk.
Atlas Ross paid $4.10.
“[Atlas Ross is] just sweetheart,” McNair said. “He wants to do it from either way. He loves being on the helmet, or he goes on the front. He’s a really classy horse.”
Atlas Ross, a son of Big Jim out of Kisskissbangbang has now earned $142,550 for James and Elizabeth Ross of Wingham, ON, who purchased the colt for $25,000 at the 2025 London Classic Yearling Sale. Atlas Ross was bred by Ashley and Dean Wilson.
In previous Gold Series action in the division:
- Gogo Gadget and TH Benedict won their respective Leg 1 Gold divisions on July 3 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
- Gogo Gadget and Atlas Ross won their respective Leg 2 Gold divisions on July 18 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Grassroots Results
On Sunday’s card, there were also three OSS Grassroots events at Woodbine Mohawk Park for 2-year-old pacing fillies. The winners were:
- Aceandaten (Cattlewash–Dreamin Girl) broke her maiden in 1:52 for breeders Tara Hills Stud and Bellevue Farms, owner Jason Castellan, trainer Gregg McNair and driver Doug McNair. Aceandaten was a $70,000 purchase at the 2025 London Classic Yearling Sale.
- Lyons Bulldog (Bulldog Hanover–Ava Hanover) set a 1:51.2 career best for breeder Vieux Carre Farms, owner Threelyonsracing, trainer Dr. Ian Moore and driver Mark MacDonald. Lyons Bulldog was purchased for $31,000 at the 2025 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.
- Diamondsbestfriend (Bulldog Hanover–Yellow Diamond) set a 1:51.4 career best for breeders Steve Jones and Fair Winds Farm, owner/trainer Jack Darling and driver Bob McClure. Diamondsbestfriend was purchased for $107,000 at the 2025 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.