Clements completes triple with Grassroots win

The Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots harness racing season for two-year-old trotting fillies kicked off July 2 at Hiawatha Horse Park with a pair of divisions.

In the second $21,800 division Daniel Clements completed a driving hat trick when he piloted Angeliki (Muscle Up The Goal) to victory.

The filly was first at the quarter pole, when odds-on favourite Priceless Resolve was sent to the lead by Matt Bax. Clements dropped back to fourth position before urging the filly into the lead as they exited the final turn and driving down the lane to win by two lengths.

“It was her first lifetime start so I wasn’t sure what to expect out of her,” said Clements. “I let her play it off the gate, and we shuffled into third. When there was a little confusion on the last turn, she kicked in really nice and finished well.” 

ANGELIKI REPLAY

It was the first OSS score for trainer Jason Libby since a Gold victory in 2013.

“Jason is doing a great job up here in Sarnia,” said Clements. “I have schooled a few two-year-olds for him, and I am kind of excited to see what he has.”

John Bax trains second place finisher Priceless Resolve (Resolve), who is co-owned by Bax Stables, and Glengate Farms. St Lads Tricky rounded out the podium with Sylvain Lacaille driving for trainer Dolores Basilone. It was the first career start for the St Lads Farm homebred.

In the first $22,200 division Kenogami Courage (Lookslikeachpndale) held off a late charging The Ballykeel Deal to win her first career start.

The filly was moved to the lead by Stephane Brosseau along the straight and led as the field set a half-mile pace of 59.4. Along the backstretch The Ballykeel Deal moved from sixth to second in the third panel and challenged by closing in 30.2.

KENOGAMI COURAGE REPLAY

It was the first OSS score of the season for trainer Jean Tournigy who had two runner up results with his first two starters. Jean-Francois Reid, Marie-Claude Reid, Stephane Brosseau, and Maurice Houle, Contrecoeur co-own the filly.

Dealin Fashion (Wheelin N Dealin) finished third for trainer Eric Nadeau with Marie-Claude Auger driving. Ecuries Maguire Inc, and Jean-Francois Maguire co-own the filly.

For current OSS Standings, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

From the Ontario Sires Stakes