Willyorwonthe outlasts game Sicario

Willyorwonthe held off a tenacious Sicario at the conclusion of a second-half harness racing battle in the Preferred 2&3 Handicap Trot on Wednesday at Grand River Raceway.

Willyorwonthe won the early lead with a burst of speed from post four, and driver Colin Kelly had to pull strongly on the reins as the gelding blazed through the first quarter mile in :28.2. Kelly calmed his charge in the second quarter for a :58.3 clocking at the half, but a first-over Sicario (Austin Sorrie) forced the reinsman to quicken the tempo again.

Willyorwonthe kicked away from pocket-sitter Tymal Houdini (Travis Henry) at three-quarters in 1:26.3 as an advancing Sicario loomed on the outside. Willyorwonthe got relief as Sicario traveled further on the final turn, and the former eked out a one-length lead going into the stretch. Sicario proved relentless and tough, but not victorious, as Willyorwonthe held his nose in front to the finish in 1:56.1.

Sicario took place after a second brave effort in as many weeks. Tymal Houdini gained on the top two late and secured a third-place finish. The winner paid $4.10.

WILLYORWONTHE REPLAY

Willyorwonthe visited the winner’s circle for the first time since Ontario racing resumed in June. He is 43-for-175 lifetime, and he has compiled $393,536 in career earnings. Kyle Bossence conditions the eight-year-old son of Angus Hall.

The Ontario Sires Stakes visits Grand River Raceway during the Elora, Ont. track’s next card on Friday, Jul. 16. The first of ten races will go forward on that day will go off at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink