Grassroots contender wins tightener

Valentine Blue Chip (Muscle Mass) got up to win in a late-closing harness racing effort at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday (Sep. 19) in a likely preparation for next week’s Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots finals.

The filly, sitting sixth early, slid out behind Grassroots division leader Rhythm Of Life (Bob McClure) and advanced third-over into the final turn. Still sixth and now triple-covered at the top of the lane, Valentine Blue Chip fanned out and turned on the jets, kicking home fastest on the fare outside in a group of closers for a 1:55.3 victory. Exciting Mia (Chris Christoforou) went from ninth to first up the rail but had to settle for second. Rhythm Of Life was third.

VALENTINE BLUE CHIP REPLAY

Valentine Blue Chip is now eight-for-11 lifetime with $98,790 in earnings for trainer Gregg McNair and Anthony Timmins of Birmingham (GB). She has won two Grassroots legs this season and placed in a Gold.

Action will continue at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday, Sep. 20 at 7:10 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink