Trainer Nick Gallucci sweeps Kin Pace elims

Ontario-sired three-year-old pacing fillies faced off in two Kin Pace eliminations on a scorching Sunday afternoon at Clinton Raceway. Harness racing trainer Nick Galucci swept both $7,500 eliminations with heavy favourites Velvet Stinger (Bettors Delight) and Raptors Won (Big Jim) securing favorable post draws in the $50,500 final.

The first of two eliminations saw Velvet Stinger make the early lead before longshot Ribbon Ridge took over command before the quarter.

This lead was short lived as driver James MacDonald called on Velvet Stinger to retake the lead at the quarter pole. MacDonald cruised through the halfway point in just 1:00.0 while bracing for first over attacker Warrawee Xpat.

The sprint was on when they turned for home as Warrawee Xpat and driver Brett MacDonald poked a neck in front before Velvet Stinger fought back on the inside to secure the elimination win in 1:58.1. Joining Velvet Stinger and Warrawee Xpat in the final was Ribbon Ridge and Watch Her Fly from the first elimination.

Velvet Stinger found the winner’s circle for the fourth time in ten lifetime starts and looks to add to her $47,917 bankroll in the $50,500 Kin Pace Final.

Similar tactics were seen in race 9, the final elimination for the rich Kin Pace Final.

Driver James MacDonald got away third with the other Gallucci trainee Raptors Won, before making the quick move to the lead at the quarter pole.

MacDonald was not taking any chances and utilized Raptor’s Won top speed to gain separation heading to the three-quarter mile mark. Raptors Won stopped the clock in 1:56.0 for an impressive Kin Pace Elimination score. A late closing Creme Delight secured a second-place finish, while Lyons Princess and Sexy Playmate completed the top 4 and earned spots in next Sunday’s final.

After going unraced as a 2-year-old, Raptors Won has made up for lost time by winning three of seven starts this season and earning over $32,000.

The field and post positions for next Sunday’s (July 3rd) $50,500 Kin Pace Final:

1 Creme Delight

2 Raptors Won

3 Warrawee Xpat

4 Lyons Princess

5 Velvet Stinger

6 Watch Her Fly

7 Ribbon Ridge

8 Sexy Playmate

AE1 Power Of An Angel

AE2 Lyons Believer

In addition to the rich stake’s final, Clinton Raceway will also play host to Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions for 2-year-old colts & gelding trotters on Sunday, July 3rd. Racing action will get underway at 1:30 PM. For more details on Kin Pace Final day, please click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Elliott, for Clinton Raceway