OSS sophomore trotters clash on Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park
At 0h28, on July 8, 2023 • By Austin Stanton, Ontario Racing
The second Gold leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings goes Saturday (July 8) at Woodbine Mohawk Park with 10 sophomores squaring off in a highly competitive C$159,000 division.
Morning line favorite Tuscan Prince (Kadabra) has a 2-0-2 record through five starts this season, and could cement himself as the division leader with a winning performance on Saturday. He won a Gold division on May 29, and was third in the Goodtimes on June 17, just a half-length behind winner Southwind Coors. Louis-Philippe Roy will pilot him from the rail post position, for owner Determination Stable.
Ghostly Casper, the other division winner from leg one, will leave from the middle of the racetrack in post five for trainer Benoit Baillargeon. He broke his maiden in the OSS on May 29, and after a traffic plagued trip in the Goodtimes dominated a non-winners of two class at Woodbine Mohawk Park on June 27. The Resolve colt is full of talent, and if he can continue the trajectory he’s been on this season, he should be a factor not only on Saturday, but throughout the season for Baillargeon and co-owners Teresa Davidson, Santo Vena, and Nunzio Vena.
Three of the other 10 entrants have visited the OSS Gold winner’s circle before, Osceola, Oh Look Magic, and Snowpiercer.
Osceloa won the SBOA final, but went off stride in the Goodtimes, a problem which has plagued him throughout his career. So, we’ll see if he can mind his manners for Team McNair on Saturday.
Hasty Bid is another colt to keep an eye on. He has four second place finishes in five starts this year, and picked up a check in the Goodtimes with a fourth place finish. Paige Austin trains the My MVP son and co-owns with James MacDonald.
