Freshmen pacers repeat in $101,300 OSS Golds

MILTON, July 18, 2022 – Write Me A Rose (Sportswriter) and Stockade Seelster (State Treasurer) each posted a repeat victory in Monday evening’s (Jul. 19) Ontario Sires Stakes Gold harness racing action for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

A pair of $101,300 divisions were contested in the second leg of the Gold Series. With the first leg contested nine days prior, Write Me A Rose and Stockade Seelster returned, drawn in separate divisions, with eyes on repeating their Gold success.

The first division saw Write Me A Rose capitalize off a perfect second-over trip from driver Sylvain Filion for a 1:52.4 score. Despite winning as the favourite in leg one, the Rob Fellows trained Write Me A Rose went off as the 3-1 second-choice behind Moment Is Here, who finished second to Stockade Seelster on July 9.

Ace Of Aces opened the mile with a :27.1 quarter, while Moment Is Here was parked around the first turn before clearing to the lead. Write Me A Rose got away fifth and sat there until catching cover on the final turn.

Moment Is Here tripped the half in :56.1, but was then immediately overtaken by a snap third to first move from longshot Scribblers. The new leader led by three-quarters in 1:24.4.

In the stretch, Write Me A Rose rocketed off cover and stormed home in :27.2 for a three length score. Midnight Nation followed the winner’s path to finish second, while Bettor Bea Terror rallied from seventh and last to finish third.

Favourite Moment Is Here got caught in behind tiring leaders and never saw clear room until late, ultimately finishing fifth. Early leader Ace Of Aces suffered a similar fate, splitting through late for fourth.

WRITE ME A ROSE REPLAY

Write Me A Rose is now three for three to begin his career for owner/breeder Windermere Stable LLC. Trainer Fellows received the youngster after the colt made his baby race debut at Magical Acres in New Jersey.

“So far all I’ve had to do is get him here on time,” remarked Fellows. “He was gift wrapped to me. He’s a nice horse, so it’s just a pleasure to race for these guys.”

The veteran trainer was quick to point out the fortune of his student with the way Monday’s race unfolded.

“The 1-5 favourite had to make a decision at the half and it didn’t turn out for him but it worked out great for us, he got pinned in and didn’t get a chance to race and we were out and had a good lane to run in.”

With Monday’s score, Write Me A Rose now sports early career numbers of three wins and $109,750 earned. The clocking of 1:52.4 erased his previous mark of 1:53.3, taken in his most recent start.

A $2 win ticket on Write Me A Rose returned $8.80.

Stockade Seelster followed up his dazzling debut with another statement performance in the evening’s second split. The Dr. Ian Moore trainee brushed to lead in the second-quarter for driver Jody Jamieson and never looked back for an easy 1:52 score over five rivals.

“He’s a nice colt, he does everything you ask him to do and so far he’s been really good,” said Jamieson. “I had figured there would be some guys trying for position off the gate, so I just wanted to make sure I got to the lead last and try to keep it, so we went a little faster tonight to the half, but he was strong finishing and the sky is the limit.”

Stockade Seelster took command after Coop A Loop posted a :26.3 opening-quarter. The Dr. Moore trainee proceeded to post fractions of :55.3 and 1:24.3 before pacing home in :27.2, with Jamieson sitting chilly in the bike, to secure the victory.

Coop A Loop did his best to stick with the leader finishing three lengths back in second, while third-place finisher The Moment Arose was nearly nine lengths back of the winner. Lyons Brushmarks and Twin B Risenshine completed the top-five.

STOCKADE SEELSTER REPLAY

Stockade Seelster is now two for two to start his career, posting sparkling 1:51.3 and 1:52 miles. The $45,000 London Selected Yearling Sale graduate has banked $101,300 in just two starts for owners Sally MacDonald and Paul MacDonald.

Stockade Seelster paid $2.50 to win.

Up next for many of Monday’s OSS participants is the Battle of Waterloo eliminations on July 25 at Grand River Raceway. Stockade Seelster is eligible to enter, while Write Me A Rose is not among the 96 eligible Ontario sired rookies.

The third OSS Gold leg for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings is scheduled for August 19 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

For complete Ontario Sires Stakes standings, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mark McKelvie, for Woodbine Entertainment