OTTAWA, ON — Mach It So took sole ownership of top spot in the three-year-old pacing colt division standings with a victory in the second of two $105,000 Gold Series legs at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday, July 28.
The Mach Three son and driver Scott Zeron sat fourth through the bulk of the mile before rolling up the outside in the final quarter. After reeling in pacesetter Brocks Fortune and Mach Pride the heavy favourites sailed down the stretch to a one length victory in 1:52.
The win was the fourth straight for Mach It So, who also captured a division of the Gold Series season opener on June 24 and his elimination and the final of the Canadian Breeders Championship on July 13 and 20, all at Mohawk Racetrack. Richard “Nifty” Norman conditions the winner of $218,837 for Bamond Racing LLC of Brick, NJ.
The other Gold Series division was captured by Gallant Seelster and driver Doug McNair, who also left the early pacesetting to others. McNair and Gallant Seelster watched from fifth as Closing Credits rolled to a :26.2 opening quarter and then caught a ride up the outside behind favourite Tarpon Hanover heading for the :55.2 half. Tarpon Hanover was on top at the 1:23.1 three-quarters, but Gallant Seelster circled the leaders and cruised down the stretch to a four length triumph in 1:52.2.
Gregg McNair, last season’s leading trainer in the Ontario Sires Stakes program, conditions Gallant Seelster for Lindsey and Connie Rankin of Lexington, MI. Through eight starts the Stonebridge Regal son has tallied three wins, two seconds and one third. The gelding finished second to Mach It So in the June 24 Gold Series event and currently sits second to him in the point standings.
The top 20 point earners from the first two events will now compete in the Mid-Summer Challenge at Mohawk Racetrack on Aug. 10.
Ontario Sires Stakes excitement returns to Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday, Aug. 15 with the third Gold Series leg for the two-year-old trotting fillies.
For complete results please go to Rideau Carleton Raceway Results