McKibbin has another Ballykeel homebred ready

Harness racing trainer Josh McKibbin will be in familiar territory preparing a Ballykeel Racing homebred for a shot at OSS glory when the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots season for two-year-old trotting fillies begins July 2 at Hiawatha Horse Park.

The Ballykeel Deal (Wheelin N Dealin) is making her racing debut for McKibbin at the track where her half-brother Sir Ballykeel finished second in a Grassroots division last season.

“She’s a smart and controllable filly with a little bit of foot speed. I like her so far,” said McKibbin. “She follows a family trait, in that they seem to be good gaited and stay on stride, which is important for a young filly.”

McKibbin has now trained three Ballykeel Racing Inc. homebreds out of the Majestic Son mare Ballykeel Majestic.

“As much as they are individuals you can always pick something up,” said McKibbin. “I’m always comparing where they’re at compared to where the brother is at, and I think this filly is probably the furthest along of them all.”

She qualified in a time of 2:08.4 at Grand River on June 22, and McKibbin notes it’s a somewhat unique circumstance to have a first career start on the 5/8 mile track in Sarnia.

“They will go a little faster over the bigger turns than a half-mile turn,” said McKibbin. “I think my filly is well suited for a half-mile because she is so good gaited, but she also has foot speed. You know it will be a little bit of a faster mile there.”

McKibbin has tipped Garrett Rooney to drive the trotter on Saturday.

Kenogami Courage (Lookslikeachpndale) was installed as the 3-1 morning line favourite in the $22,200 division. The filly is trained by Jean Tourigny for owners Jean-Francois Reid, Marie-Claude Reid, Stephane Brosseau, and Maurice Houle. Stephane Brosseau will be in the race bike.

In the second division Princess Resolve (Resolve) will go for trainer-driver duo John and Matt Bax. The daughter of the leading OSS Trotting Stallion so far in 2022, will look to duplicate the OSS success of her fellow Resolve offspring, Duly Resolved had in 2021.

For current OSS Standings, click here.

For complete race entries, click here.

From the Ontario Sires Stakes