Last-to-first upset in Grassroots

Dreamfair Arnie B (Sportswriter) picked up seven positions and 19-and-a-half lengths to win the second division of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots leg three for sophomore pacing males in a 14-1 upset at Hiawatha Horse Park on Saturday (Jul. 30).

Driver Dan Clements dropped the colt back from the far-outside post eight and trailed through the :27.1 first quarter. He kicked out the plugs as his charge tracked cover third-over to the half in :56.4, and Dreamfair Arnie B continued following to three-quarters in 1:24.1.

The colt swung four-wide on the final turn and surged to dispatch the four horses in front of him and snatch the victory in 1:53.3. Twin B Jammer (Garrett Rooney), the winner’s cover, finished second. Buck N Bettor (Lorne House) was third.

It was the second career win for Dreamfair Arnie, who has earned $34,516 in 13 starts. Jodie Cullen trains the colt, a homebred for John Lamers of Mount Brydges.

Dynomites Peak (Artspeak) took point while passing the half for Scott Wray and survived a three-horse closing cavalry charge to win the first division in 1:53.1. He kept his head in front of second-place finisher Persistant Boy (Brett MacDonald). Greystone Ian O (House) was next closest in third.

Dynomites Peak went four-for-five in the Grassroots at two, losing only the Final. He was winless in 11 this season before the Saturday score for Matt Dupuis, who took over training two starts ago. Jacqueline Dinelle and Paul Smyth of Metcalfe own the gelding with Earl Casselman of Winchester. Dynomites Peak is now five-for-22 lifetime and has earned $88,759.

The Ontario Sires Stakes continues on Monday, Aug. 1. The third Gold leg for three-year-old pacing fillies at Grand River Raceway highlights the action, while two-year-old trotting fillies and three-year-old pacing fillies will contest their third legs at Dresden Raceway and Woodbine Mohawk Park, respectively.

Racing will be back at Hiawatha Horse Park on Saturday, Aug. 6.

For complete Ontario Sires Stakes standings, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink