Robert Macneil-trained harness racing stablemates Gentry Seelster (Mach Three) and Kiss Me Im Irish (Big Jim) did each other no favours in the Northside Downs top class on Saturday (May 28), but the pair finished one-two on the good track regardless.
The two threw down early as Gentry Seelster (Lawrence Snow) held position at the cones and parked out Kiss Me Im Irish (Mark Pezzarello), who was determined to go by and did so just after hitting the quarter in :28.2. Kiss Me Im Irish brought the field through the half in :57.1, with the five others falling six lengths back of the Macneil trainees.
Gentry Seelster made his move on the backside, springing his charge from the pocket down the backstretch and drawing level with his stablemate at three-quarters in 1:28.3. The battle continued into the final turn as Kiss Me Im Irish refused to quit at the inside, but Gentry Seelster found more pace and pushed clear to win by a length in 2:00.1.
Kiss Me Im Irish was a length to the good in second over Southwind Ricardo (Gregory Sparling), who headed the closing field. The winner paid $11.70 as his barnmate was made the favourite.
GENTRY SEELSTER REPLAY
Gentry Seelsterās win was his first of the season in three outings. Macneil, a resident of Sydney Mines, co-owns the five-year-old stallion with Joseph MacNeil of Ingonish and Bernard Macneil of Miscouche. The horse was won 10 of his 41 career starts and has earned $39,832.
Gentry Seelster and Kiss Me Im Irish have been the only starters for the Macneil barn for the past two seasons.
Roderick Gillisās two training wins on the seven-race program made him the dayās top conditioner.
Racing returns to Northside Downs on Saturday, Jun. 4 at 1:00 p.m. ADT.
For complete race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink