Sophomores in action in Grassroots at Mohawk

Woodbine Mohawk Park hosted three third-leg harness racing divisions of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday (Jul. 19).

Sports Activator (Sportswriter) captured his second Grassroots leg of the season in the first division. Louis-Philippe Roy activated him from the three-hole coming down the stretch, and the colt muscled to the front to score by a half-length in 1:51.2. Always A Thrill (Sylvain Filion) held on for second over Tamworth Boy (Jody Jamieson).

SPORTS ACTIVATOR REPLAY

Sports Activator is now six-for-10 on the season and has finished in the exactor in eight straight starts. The Mike Armstrong-trained colt has recorded eight wins and has earned $77,961 in 17 lifetime outings for owners Lee Cullen of Ottawa and Lloyd Howley of Kars.

Chain Gang (Bettors Delight, Trevor Henry) won his first Ontario Sires Stakes race since his Gold win at two in the second division. The colt circled to the lead from the pocket just after the quarter pole and held off Century Komodo down the stretch for the three-quarter-length victory in 1:50.3. Gigitygigitygigity (Tyler Borth) was well back in third.

CHAIN GANG REPLAY

Chain Gang has won back-to-back starts, his first two of the season in four tries. Nick Gallucci trains the homebred sophomore for Millar Farms of Stouffville. Chain Gang has collected five wins and $180,174 in 12 career starts.

In the third split, Mcpleasant (Mcwicked, James MacDonald) earned his first Ontario Sires Stakes victory in a late-charging upset. The 28-1 shot sat third-over on the final turn, swept wide coming down the stretch, and flew by five opponents to prevail in 1:50.3. The Vicar (Tyler Moore) was a clear second with Dancelike Eh Skippr (Bob McClure) closing for show.

MCPLEASANT REPLAY

Mcpleasant debuted this year for Tony Beaton, who trains and co-owns the colt with Dave Mercer of Westmount. He has won three of nine appearances, including his last start. The three-year-old has earned $29,610.

The next card at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, Jul. 20 will feature the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Mid-Season Finals for three-year-old pacers of each sex. First post is set for 7:10 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink