Distant Lover (Betterthancheddar) kicked off her harness racing career with perfection, rolling first-up to win the second division of leg 4A of the Prospect Series for rookie pacing fillies on Tuesday (Aug. 22) at Georgian Downs.
The filly was six-and-a-half lengths back of a loose leader at three-quarters but closed her down to score by a length-and-a-quarter in 1:57.2. Rocks Shadow (Louis Gregg) closed behind her for pace. Pocket-sitter Love On Me (Ryan Holliday) finished third.
DISTANT LOVER REPLAY
Nick Gallucci trains the filly for Millar Farms. The filly is out of the Mach Three mare Mindsweeper, who placed in an Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final and earned $268,033 in 23 starts.
Wheres My Phone (Big Jim) took the first split, her first win since leg 2. Driven by Brett MacDonald, she battled leader Lyons Shine On (Anthony Haughan) through the final quarter and edged clear by a head to win in 1:58.2. Forrest Princess (John Thomson) was third.
WHERES MY PHONE REPLAY
The winner is now two-for-five with $10,975 in earnings. She won leg 2 on Jul. 26, placed in leg 3A, and broke at the start last time in leg 3B. Gregg McNair trains the filly whom he co-bred and co-owns with Ian Fleming of Londeborough.
Ireland Seelster (Sportswriter) completed the leg with a maiden-breaking victory in the third group. She brushed to the front in the third quarter and fended off the closing Wickedly Devilish (J. Bradley Harris) by a half-length in 1:58. The latter was second-best. Roll On Myway (Beau Brown) finished third.
IRELAND SEELSTER REPLAY
Ireland Seelster raced twice at Woodbine Mohawk Park prior to his win on Tuesday. Gabriella Sasso trains the filly, who has now earned $4,350, for Jeff Courchesne and Martwest Racing of Mississauga.
Georgian Downs will hold racing next on Saturday, Aug. 26.
For complete race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink