Iris Seelster bags first Ontario win

Century Casino Filly Pace runner-up Iris Seelster (Bettors Delight) reached the harness racing winner’s circle for the first time since moving to Ontario in November on Thursday (Dec. 21) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

James MacDonald was content to six sixth with the sophomore at 3/2 as longshot Sweet Loving (Ed Hensley) pushed to the lead at the quarter in :26.3. The field stayed single file to the half in :56.4, and Iris Seelster followed Compassrose De Vie (Austin Sorrie) to the outside to take second-over cover as they moved toward the far turn.

The outer flow advanced to three-quarters in 1:26, and the backfield horses took their lanes to chase the pacesetters. Iris Seelster reached full flight in mid-stretch and roared up alongside new leader Miss Dew Write (Tyler Jones). They exchanged blows as they came to the finish, and Iris Seelster landed the knockout as she went three-quarters-of-a-length clear for a 1:54.2 victory.

Miss Dew Write was second-best. Going Yard (Travis Cullen) motored in the dying stages to get up for third.

IRIS SEELSTER REPLAY

Iris Seelster spent her entire career in Western Canada until owner Keith Clark sent her to Ontario after she placed in the $134,300 Century Casino Filly Pace. The sophomore missed the board in her first three attempts in mid-level conditioned races before the Thursday win. She was winless in nine tries at two but has won seven of 29 starts this season. Murray Brethour trains the filly, now an earner of $88,012.

To read about the results of James MacDonald vs. Tyler Borth in the national drivers’ standings on the card, click here.

Woodbine Mohawk Park action continues on Friday, Dec. 22 at 7:10 p.m. EST

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink