stonebridge_farm

Threepeat For Stonebridge Reef

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:24:39 GMT

Stonebridge Reef made it three straight victories in the Winners Over Pace at Tioga Downs as the Jeff Cullipher-trained stallion won the $17,808 feature on Sunday, June 22.

Stonebridge Reef ($3.70) went straight to the front for Tyler Miller, reigned unchallenged as he cut fractions of :26.4 and :55.3, and started to widen the lead over Bb Lucky Boy (Braxten Boyd) as the field travelled down the backstretch to three-quarters in 1:22.1. As they made the turn for home, it became a race for the minors as Stonebridge Reef cruised to a 3-1/2-length victory in a seasonal-best 1:50.1. Vengeance Bluechip (Jim Pantaleano) rallied to take second over Intimidation (Ridge Warren).

Stonebridge Reef , a seven-year-old stallion, is undefeated in three starts at Tioga Downs since moving to the track from Pocono Downs earlier this month. He is now seven-for-15 this term and notched his 24th win in 114 lifetime starts. The son of Somebeachsomewhere-Rock N Soul is owned by Pollack Racing Stable LLC.

Leading driver Braxten Boyd continued his dominance at Tioga, winning five more races on the 12-dash card. The reinsman, now ahead of Tyler Miller by 21 wins in the standings, won with Smart Guy ($9), Top Tier ($7.10), Ozark ($2.50), Dontbothermenone N ($5.50) and Orlando Blue A ($4.40).

Pantaleano and trainer Mike Deters teamed up for three wins on the card. They struck with Always B Elvis ($4.40), Parmesan N ($4.20) and Mea Culpa A ($3).

The 14-year-old trotting gelding Everyones Talkin reached 50 career wins as he took the finale. The veteran by Donato Hanover-Poster Princess got every call and won the $11,644 Southern Tier Amateur Club dash in 1:57.2 with Ron Cusimano in the bike. Sir Jesse (Lee Morris) finished second by 2-1/2 lengths after a first-over effort. Kruise On Dover (Cameron Capone) was third.

Everyones Talkin made his second start for trainer Edgar Clarke in the victory, the gelding's first of the season in seven appearances. He hit the 50-win milestone in start number 349 while increasing his career earnings to $451,532. Cusimano Stables LLC owns the gelding.

Tioga Downs will host its next card on Friday, June 27 with a post time of 6:15 p.m.

Stonebridge Reef Tops Tioga Pacers

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 20:26:50 GMT

Stonebridge Reef , driven by Tyler Miller, won the $16,438 Winners Over Handicap Pace in his Tioga Downs debut on Sunday, June 8.

BB Lucky Boy (Braxten Boyd) went straight to the front in a :26.4 quarter before backing down the pace to the half in :56.2. He was prompted to pick it up again as Livonjaxandqueens (Colin Kelly) went first-up down the backstretch and challenged to three-quarters in 1:22.3. But as they reached the stretch, pocket-sitter Stonebridge Reef rushed three-wide and blew right on by to win in 1:51.2 by 3-1/4 lengths. Primo Uomo (Warren Ridge) was flying late from the back of the six-pack to finish second over another closer, Little Willy (Aaron Byron), and Livonjaxandqueens.

Stonebridge Reef , a seven-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere out of Rock N Soul, is trained by Jeff Cullipher and owned by Pollack Racing. He earned his fifth win of the year from 13 starts, pushing his seasonal earnings over $50,000.

Stonebridge Reef paid $4.40 to win as the bettors' choice.

Live harness racing resumes at Tioga Downs on Friday, June 13, with a post time of 6:15 p.m.

(With files from Tioga Downs)

Stonebridge Wizard wins the O’Brien Award in the Two-Year-Old Pacing Colt

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:35:02 GMT

Standardbred Canada announced the winners of the 2024 O’Brien Awards, honouring Canada’s best in harness racing over the past season, at the Black Tie Gala on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 in Mississauga, Ont.

The event marked the 36th edition of the O’Brien Awards, named in honour of the late Joe O’Brien, an outstanding horseman from Prince Edward Island and member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

Stonebridge Wizard received the O’Brien Award in the Two-Year-Old Pacing Colt category. The Dancin Lou-Odds On Magic gelding had his winner’s circle photograph taken five times from nine starts as a rookie for trainer Jared Bako. Stonebridge Wizard was a stalwart in the OSS from start to finish, claiming wins in both the season's first and last Gold legs. Sandwiched between those Gold triumphs was his biggest payday, which came in a hard-fought victory in the $245,400 Battle of Waterloo at Grand River Raceway, where he earned his lifetime mark of 1:51.2.

Stonebridge Wizard wins OSS Gold splits for the freshman boys at Mohawk

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:40:50 GMT

Thursday (Oct. 3) evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Stonebridge Wizard took the first of two $95,000 OSS Gold splits for the freshman boys with a hefty 15-1 upset.

Doug McNair took the Jared Bako student into third and they bided their time through marks in :28, :57, and 1:24.4. Sliding up the inside, Stonebridge Wizard was able to zip past the field and win by a neck in 1:51.4. Sauble Wizard (Bob McClure) closed sharply, but was bested at the wire. Smiling Dancer (James MacDonald) rounded out the show ticket.

"He showed tonight he was tough as whalebone," McNair said. "He did a lot of work in the stretch to get by a lot of horses."

David Kryway owns the Dancin Lou - Odds On Magic gelding as he moved his record to 5-1-0 in eight starts. Stonebridge Wizard has banked $281,100 in his young career to date. He paid $32.70 to win.

Stonebridge Thrill The Best Of All In Grassroots

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:08:51 GMT

Stonebridge Thrill bested his stablemate at the wire in one of two $20,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday (Sept. 16) evening as one of four top performers from the Anthony Beaton Stable on the card.

Beaton had a pair of starters in both OSS Grassroots divisions for sophomore pacing colts and geldings and they returned with a record of 1-2-1 for the evening tally.

Mcpleasant (James MacDonald) was the first to the quarter timer in :26.4, while his stablemate Stonebridge Thrill (Tyler Borth) was caught on the outside in fourth. Borth moved Stonebridge Thrill along the pylons before the :54.3 half while Do Better took over from Mcpleasant as the leader. Before the three-quarters in 1:22.4, Stonebridge Thrill was out on the move again, following the cover of Mcpleasant. A miscue by Do Better left the stablemates to battle for victory at the wire. Both pacing a 1:49.4 final mile time, Stonebridge Thrill did the better work with his :26.3 last quarter to win by a half length in 1:49.4. Chalk Hanover (Jody Jamieson) was third.

Stonebridge Thrill is a three-year-old son of Bettors Delight and the Somebeachsomewhere mare Inverse Hanover owned by Mac and Carol Nichol. He won his first race of the year and third race from 22 starts in a career best time, pushing his lifetime sum to $86,986.

Stonebridge Welcomes Lee Loo

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 20:41:04 GMT

Stonebridge Farm are pleased to welcome the talented pacing mare Lee Loo to their broodmare band. A winner of close to $300,000 in her racing career, Lee Loo graduated from the New York Sire Stakes to open mare competition before being retired this summer.

In total the daughter of Huntsville faced the gate 87 times and recorded a summary of 15-10-10 and a life record of 1:50.2 taken as a three-year-old. Lee Loo is from the Rock N Roll Heaven daughter Taiya Hanover who has also produced McNeil Z Tam p, 4, 1:51.4f ($133,781); S McKee p, 4, 1:52.3; Hes Express p, 3 1:54.3h ($71,475) and this year’s sophomore Whereicomefrom p, 3, 1:54.3f –‘24, also by Huntsville.

Taiya is a sister to a pair of millionaires – Luck Be Withyou ($1.4M) and American Jewel ($1.8), the latter the dam of this year’s standout Odds On Platinum p, 3, 1:49 –’24 ($788,198).

Stonebridge Farm welcomes Lee Loo to our select group of broodmares and look forward to selecting her first consort.

Stonebridge Wizard wins the Winbak Farms Battle of Waterloo final!

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:16:56 GMT

Grand River Raceway celebrated its 35th annual Industry Day on Monday, Aug. 5, welcoming fans and horseplayers to the reconfigured five-eighths mile track in Elora, Ont. The 11-race card was highlighted by finals for the $245,400 Winbak Farms Battle of Waterloo for Ontario-sired two-year-old male pacers and the $175,200 Battle of the Belles companion race for two-year-old pacing fillies.

Doug McNair found redemption in the Winbak Farms Battle of Waterloo final, driving Stonebridge Wizard to the gelding's fourth lifetime win.

The 5/2 second choice left strongly, followed from the pocket by Sterling Choice and Tyler Borth. Challenger Fifth And Five, in line to Jody Jamieson, came calling past the :26 opening quarter, but couldn't make front. Stonebridge Wizard battled back to the :53.1 half, with 3/5 favourite Fifth and Five parked first-over. The pacers were four-wide approaching three-quarters, as Out Of Ice (Trevor Henry) and Allstar Maniac (James MacDonald) stacked up outside of Fifth And Five, while McNair's horse maintained a half-length advantage to that point, reached in 1:22.1. Stonebridge Wizard kept ahead of Sterling Choice in a close, 1:51.2 battle to the wire. Tito N Cheddar (Louis-Philippe Roy) closed for show.

Stonebridge Wizard , a gelded son of Dancin Lou-Odds On Magic, is owned by David Kryway of Amherstburg, Ont. The former $32,000 London Classic yearling, bred by Angie Stiller of London, Ont., yearling has four wins and a place finish in his first five career starts for trainer Jared Bako along with $93,800 in earnings. His Battle of Waterloo win time established a new track record for two-year-old male pacers, and surpassed his own Canadian seasonal record for two-year-old pacing geldings to become fastest of all for his age and gait on a Canadian five-eighths mile track this year.

In the winners' circle, McNair explained his driving strategy, and coming back after being set back from the Battle of the Belles place finish.

"Obviously you have to turn the page when something like that happens, and I didn't know how I was going to go about it," he said. "When I made the front so easy [with Stonebridge Wizard], I mean, no one did me any favours...As soon as I crossed over, I said, 'they're gonna have to go a pretty good half to get around me.' I was still think about letting Jody go [with Fifth And Five] ahead into the second turn, but I knew if I let him go, our race was over. We'd have no shot at winning."

McNair praised Stonebridge Wizard's effort: "He was handy and he's a real nice colt. He's so professional."

Assistant trainer Scott Bako said the 2024 Battle of Waterloo champion was always a barn favourite. "He's never really done a whole lot to disappoint us. He's just consistently kept getting stronger and stronger...He's a big, strong, rangy kind of a colt, and he is bigger than most of the colts who are in here as a two-year-old. He's a colt that does kind of set up where when they go more fractions in here, it will suit him, because he does cover the ground so well."

Stonebridge Wizard wins Battle of Waterloo Elims

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:20:01 GMT

Rookie pacers duelled at Grand River Raceway on Monday evening, July 29 in the eliminations for the Battle Of Waterloo, presented by Winbak Farm, and the Battle Of The Belles.

Heavily favoured Stonebridge Wizard using similar tactics to capture the second Battle elimination for driver Doug McNair in 1:52.4. The son of Dancin Lou-Odds On Magic turned back a couple of stern challenges in the back half before kicking clear of rivals late for his third victory in four tries on the season. Out Of Ice flew late to pick up the place spot with Set Shot and Sterling Choice rounded out the top four. Stonebridge Wizard is trained by Jared Bako for owner David Kryway and will give McNair a chance at his sixth Battle title next week.

Stonebridge Wizard is Two for Two!

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:15:37 GMT

The Ontario Sires Stakes season for two-year-old male pacers kicked off on Friday evening, July 5 at Woodbine Mohawk Park with Stonebridge Wizard winning a $95,000 divisions.

Doug McNair conjured up a winning trip in the second division, sending the Jared Bako-trained Stonebridge Wizard rolling from mid-pack after hot opening fractions and kicking home in :28.1 for the 1:52 triumph over the 'good' track. Sterling Choice (Sylvain Filion) finished 1-1/2 lengths behind in second and Fifth And Five (Jody Jamieson) was third with Allstar Maniac (Louis-Philippe Roy) holding on for fourth over Scratchin An Itch (Jason Ryan).

Sterling Choice, Fifth And Five and Allstar Maniac duked it out early with the 7-5 favourite Allstar Manic landing on top at the :26.2 quarter mark then fronting the field to the half in :55. McNair had Stonebridge Wizard settled in fourth behind the early speed and started to advance mid-way through the final turn, forging three-wide when Sterling Choice popped the pocket in front of him at three-quarters in 1:23.2. McNair tucked Stonebridge Wizard behind cover briefly at the head of the lane then rallied by late to score, giving sire Dancin Lou his first winner.

"There was a little bit of a speed battle on the first turn and mine just kind of relaxed real nice," said McNair afterwards. "Going to the half, he didn't feel like he was going much, he kind of run up on the back of Jody and the half flipped up in :55, so that's a good feeling when they don't feel like they're going much but they really are, so he had a pretty good shot from there."

Stonebridge Wizard is now a perfect two-for-two to launch his career, getting his first stakes win after a maiden-breaking 1:54.1 effort a week ago at Mohawk.

Bred by Angie Stiller of London, Ont., the Dancin Lou-Odds On Magic gelding was a $32,000 yearling purchase from the London Classic Sale for owner David Kryway of Amherstburg, Ont.

Sent postward as the 2-1 second choice, Stonebridge Wizard paid $6.60 to win.

The Ontario Sires Stakes two-year-old pacing colts and geldings will meet again in the second Gold Series leg on on July 15 at Mohawk.

Stonebridge Wizard won his baby race at Poconos in 1.57.3

Wed, 29 May 2024 23:25:30 GMT

Two-year-olds made their first appearance at an eastern Pennsylvania racetrack this year during the Wednesday, May 29 morning qualifying session at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

The fastest clocking of the freshman session, 1:57.3, was produced by two males from Team Zeron/Bako. Sire Dancin Lou and owner David Kryway again combined behind the gelding Stonebridge Wizard (dam Odds On Magic), who used engine tactics and came home in :57.2 with a :28 final quarter for the victory.

Captain Skippy won 3yo pacer division of the PA Sires Stakes in 1.50.2!

Sun, 26 May 2024 20:01:53 GMT

Captain Skippy (Captaintreacherous) got away third in his PaSS cut as Dancin Champion rolled to splits of :25.4, :54.2, and 1:22, with favored Armada Hanover retaining the pocket. Dexter Dunn vacated the pylons with Captain Skippy late down the back, with Southwind Celsius joining the action from far back on the far turn. In a big battle to the finish, Captain Skippy was home first in 1:50.2, a new mark, by three-quarters of a length. Southwind Celsius and Armada Hanover were closest the wire, the former edging the latter, behind the winner, trained by Ake Svanstedt for Ake Svanstedt Inc. and Joe Sbrocco.

Stonebridge Jade Upsets Fraser Distaff Preferred

Fri, 03 May 2024 17:07:35 GMT

Off at 10-1 odds, Stonebridge Jade upset the field scratched down to seven in the $10,000 Fillies and Mares Preferred Pace on Thursday evening (May 2) at Fraser Downs. The John Boschman student went gate-to-wire and fended off the favourite to win the feature.

As the car pulled away, three stretched across the track in a battle for the top. Going into the first turn, Stonebridge Jade (Allan Molloy) achieved the honours of controlling the tempo through the :27.2 opening panel, followed by Hotpieceoface (John Abbott) and favoured In High Cotton (Kelly Hoerdt). The field continued in single file through the half in :58.1. In High Cotton was the first to make a move just before the three-quarters in 1:26.1. The favourite gave chase through to the stretch, but she was unable to catch the pacesetting Stonebridge Jade, who won by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:54.3. In High Cotton had to settle for second and B On The Hunt (Scott Knight) took the show spot.

Boschman owns the four-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight out of the Art Major mare Aria J who recorded her second win of the year and 10th career tally. In 38 trips to the track, Stonebridge Jade has pocketed $69,590. She paid $22 as the upset victor.

Trainer Jim Marino tripled up in victories on the Thursday card. Scott Knight piloted both Western Summit ($9.20) to a one-length score in 1:53.2 and Ara You Crazy ($4.70) to a 1:56 victory by a nose while Brad Watt scored with Marino's Senorita Draco ($6.50) by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:59.1. Marino currently leads all Fraser trainers with 36 tallies on the year.

Stonebridge Halo Wins are Woodbine Qualifiers

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:12:35 GMT

Monday morning spring session on April 29 at Woodbine Mohawk Park three-year-old pacing filly Stonebridge Halo (Captain Crunch sister to Stonebridge Helios) was co-fastest of the morning with a clean trip in her own 1:54.3 mile, romping to a 10-length victory while making her second qualifying start of the season for trainer/co-owner Dan Lagace. Roy drove the Captain Crunch-Ken Doll J filly, who competed on the Grand Circuit as a rookie and took a 1:52.3 mark over Mohawk.

Stonebridge Bravo wins!

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:24:59 GMT

Stonebridge Bravo placing second by a nostril. However, the winner was placed second due to a pylon violation. Bravo wins and a win is a win!

Borth Sweeps Harvest Series Freshman Colt Finals

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:18:12 GMT

Tyler Borth piloted victors in both Harvest Series finals for Ontario-sired two-year-old colts and geldings on Thursday, Nov. 9 at Woodbine Mohawk Park as Stonebridge Thrill won the $49,900 final for male pacers, while Goober Smack won the $46,000 final for male trotters.

Stonebridge Thrill had no easy feat in his Harvest Series final score as the Meg Crone trainee never found the pylons throughout the mile.

Borth and Stonebridge Thrill were locked on the outside in sixth through the :26.2 opening panel and :55.1 half before moving into fourth on the outside at the three-quarters in 1:25.1. With no other choice, Stonebridge Thrill just kept plugging along and made it to the top to face Trophy Taker (Jody Jamieson) in the final turn. The pair of horses duelled in the stretch before Stonebridge Thrill took home the gold by a neck in 1:55.2. Trophy Taker had to settle for second and Max Patrick (Sylvain Filion) grabbed third.

The son by Bettors Delight out of the Somebeachsomewhere mare Inverse Hanover is owned by Mac & Carol Nichol. He has won two races in eight on-track appearances to go along with $54,126 in earnings. He returned $2.60 to win.

Goober Smack also faced a challenge as the Susie Kerwood student had to move from the back of the pack before moving three-wide after the half.

Borth took back to seventh through panels in :28 and :57.1 before he tipped three-wide en route to the three-quarters in 1:27.1. With a far wide tactic, Goober Smack landed in third in the final turn and kept going to a half-length score in 1:58.2. P L Robert G (James MacDonald) took second while LMC Mr Squishy (Pat Hudon) rounded out the top three.

S&r Racing Stable Inc. owns the son of Flanagan Memory and the Muscle Mass mare Bluestone Muscles. He moved his career tally to 3-1-0 in four starts as he swept the Harvest Series from start to finish. He moved his earnings to $44,250. Goober Smack paid $2.90 to win.

To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

Stonebridge Thrill Tops Harvest Series At Mohawk

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:16:11 GMT

In the wake of seven wins in ten races at The Raceway at the Western Fair District, Tyler Borth kept up the momentum at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday (Nov. 2) evening after he piloted two to victory in the Harvest Series. Of his double, Borth posted the fastest time of the evening in the series with a 1:52.3 triumph in the division for the freshman males aboard Stonebridge Thrill.

Borth and the Meg Crone student took to the track in race six, the final $17,000 Harvest Series division for Ontario-sired freshmen of the night. The race started steady for the duo as Stonebridge Thrill took back to fifth through the opening panel in :27 and half in :55.4. Borth tugged his right line en route to the three-quarters in 1:24.2 and sent the freshman colt second over behind the cover of Wicked Prince (Louis-Philippe Roy). Wicked Prince cleared the lead in the final turn and Stonebridge Thrill continued to follow his lead. Down the stretch, Stonebridge Thrill achieved the lead and went on to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:52.3. Wicked Prince took second and Be Right There (James MacDonald) rounded out the top three.

Mac & Carol Nichol of Burlington, Ont. own the son of Bettors Delight and the Somebeachsomewhere mare Inverse Hanover. He earned his first career tally in the feature race. Stonebridge Thrill paid $3.50 to win as the favourite in his class of eight.

Borth doubled up in Harvest Series triumphs with a win in the second male division on the card, in the card opener. Goober Smack went to the gate as the bettors' choice in his field of six and Borth sent him to the top early. P L Robert G (MacDonald) was the first to clear the lead and hit the opening panel in :29.2. His efforts were followed by Pay The Price (Jody Jamieson) and Goober Smack back in third. Borth wasted little time and sent the Susie Kerwood pupil first over to the top. Goober Smack was the first to the :59.1 half on the outside before he cleared the lead. After posting the three-quarters in a 1:28.1 clocking, Goober Smack continued on to the win by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:56.4. P L Robert G took second and Devils Kiss (Roy) was third.

The two-year-old son of Flanagan Memory and the Muscle Mass mare Bluestone Muscles is owned by S&r Racing Stable Inc. of Acton, Ont. as he earned his second win in three career starts. A back-to-back triumph in the series, Goober Smack posted a new best time with the victory. He paid $2.40 to win.

Jody Jamieson and trainer Jack Darling teamed up to send Trophy Taker to the track to claim the winner's share of the $17,000 in the third edition of the Harvest Series for the young men. As Magical Alone (MacDonald) and Max Patrick (Sylvain Filion) battled for the early lead, Trophy Taker landed in fourth en route to the :27.3 first station. After that split, Jamieson sent the Darling protege first over and they were the first to the half in :57.3 from the outside. After posting the three-quarters in 1:25.3, they continued on to take the win by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:53.4. Magical Alone followed the pocket trip to second and Max Patrick finished third.

Trophy Taker (All Bets Off - Sauble Claire) is owned by Jack Darling Stables Ltd of Cambridge, Ont. for his second victory in five starts. He returned $2.30 to his backers.

Lmc Mr Squishy capped off the evening's Harvest Series action with a 1:56.2 victory. With trainer Patrick Hudon aboard, Lmc Mr Squishy sat fourth through the opening split in :28. Hudon sent him first over to stop the timer in :58 first at the half before taking command. After one more panel clocked in 1:26.4, Lmc Mr Squishy battled the favoured Lockdown Romeo (Bruce Richardson) down the lane to a photo finish. At the wire, the Hudon trainee prevailed by a head over Lockdown Rodeo. Sid The Kid (Bob McClure) completed the triactor.

Breeder Loredana Cirillo of Kleinburg, Ont. owns the son of Archangel and the Muscle Mass mare Massive Qutie. The gelding earned his third victory in his 11th career outing. Lmc Mr Squishy paid $5.40 to win.

Dollydaydream notched her fifth victory in a row in the fillies and mares claiming pace with Kyle Fellows as her conditioner. The five-year-old Sunshine Beach mare grabbed her eighth seasonal tally and 13th career victory, pushing her lifetime bankroll to $102,129.

To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

Stonebridge Alien Tops Opening Day Of London Yearling Sale

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:44:18 GMT

Stonebridge Alien topped the opening day of the second annual London Classic Yearling Sale on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Western Fair District Agriplex in London, Ont.

Selling as Hip 46, Stonebridge Alien brought a final bid of $165,000 to top the 144 yearlings sold during the first of two sale sessions. Mark Steacy of Lansdowne, Ont. purchased the Shadow Play colt out of the Bettors Delight mare, Ken Doll J, from the Stonebridge Farm consignment. Stonebridge Alien is a half-brother to Grand Circuit stakes winner Stonebridge Helios ($731,380 - 1:47).

The 144 yearlings sold on Tuesday grossed $3,984,000 and produced an average price of $27,667, down from last year's inaugural opening day average of $39,840 from 94 yearlings grossing $3,745,000.

The sale continues on Wednesday at 12 noon featuring the remaining Hips 161-312.

Stonebridge Comedy Kicks Off Autumn Series

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 16:50:17 GMT

Stonebridge Comedy had no serious threats in the Autumn Series opener for young trotters on Friday evening, Oct. 6 at The Raceway at Western Fair District. The opening leg of the series was comprised of a pair of $8,500 divisions with My Buddy Sam taking the other split.

Driven by Paul MacKenzie, Stonebridge Comedy ($5.40) overcame an outside post before the first turn and led by as much as eight lengths as he dominated his competition in a 2:01.4 mile. Paul Megens trains the Muscle Mass gelding, who earned his second win in 16 starts, for Saltwater Stable. Favoured Irish Dreamer finished half a dozen lengths behind in second and two-year-old Teasin rounded out the top three.

My Buddy Sam ($4.50) prevailed off a pocket trip through the passing lane in 2:03.2 for his third win in eight starts, with the two-year-old Livingitlarge grinding first-over to edge out pacesetter Sollwitt for the runner-up honours 1-1/4 lengths behind in the popular winner. The Archangel gelding is trained by Jennifer Pinkerton, who also shares ownership with breeder Patricia Bailey. Garrett Rooney was the winning reinsman.

The series is for Ontario-sired two and three-year-old trotting colts and geldings that were non-winners of $10,000 lifetime.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair Raceway .

(Photo of Stonebridge Comedy winning on Aug. 23 at Grand River Raceway)

Stonebridge Karis On A Roll At Pocono

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:51:55 GMT

The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono featured a quartet of $15,000 contests for up-and-coming horses on its Tuesday afternoon card, with a strong stretch headwind reflected in many of the races’ fractions and racing styles.

An event for male pacers saw the Sweet Lou sophomore gelding Stonebridge Karis win for the third time in his last four starts, here in 1:52.4. Driven by Jim Pantaleano, the day’s top sulky sitter with three victories, Stonebridge Karis took command in a :27.3 quarter, backed off the half to :57.4, then went the third quarter, wind-aided, in :26.4, hitting the three-quarters in 1:24.2 to hold off a spirited challenge from the outer tier, and then finishing 1-3/4 lengths clear for trainer Darren Taneyhill and owner Eric Prevost.

The other pace for males went to Lenda Hand Man, an American Ideal altered three-year-old, who won in a new mark of 1:53.4 for trainer Jennifer Bongiorno and owner Robert Weinstein. George Napolitano, Jr., coming off eight successes while driving at Philly the day before, secured the pocket early with Lenda Hand Man, backed him out behind State Senator as that uncovered challenger took the lead on the far turn, and then out-finished the new leader by a length.

The Betting Line mare Paulas Bet Hanover, after racing most of the mile in the pocket, proved more photogenic late than pacesetter Bette Tina, who came up a neck shy in the 1:55.3 mile. Michael Whelan drove the winner of $214,214 for trainer Walter Whelan and owner Christopher Nicol.

The fourth feature was held on the trot, and it was won by the Father Patrick sophomore gelding Torronein 1:56.2. The front-end style that had brought George Napolitano Jr. six of his eight wins Sunday at Philly served him and his horse well again here, with By A Hoff Hanover rallying but still coming up short by three-quarters of a length. The long-united backing team of trainer Tom Fanning and owner Joseph Smith saw their three-year-old push his earnings to $110,822.

Pocono finishes out the week’s racing schedule on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Pennsylvania’s own Bret Michaels, famous musician as a single act and as the front man for the band Poison, will appear in concert at Pocono on Friday night, and to allow for proper cleanup after the event, the card on Saturday at the mountain oval will begin at 3 p.m.

Stonebridge Helios Kicks Off Hambletonian Day

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 19:24:37 GMT

Hambletonian Day launched with a strong 1:47.4 performance by Open pacer Stonebridge Helios on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 5) at The Meadowlands.

Back in action after winning the Graduate Series final four weeks ago for trainer Ake Svanstedt, Stonebridge Helios headlined a field of seven as the 4-5 favourite in a $40,000 Open Handicap Pace .

Driver Dexter Dunn had the four-year-old son of Sunshine Beach rolling off the gate from post six and tracking recent Gerrity upset winner Idealsomemagic A (George Brennan) on the outside through a :26.1 opening quarter before clearing that rival when he touched down on top as they entered the backstretch. Stonebridge Helios led the way from there, reeling off middle splits of :53.1 and 1:20.2. With rivals starting to make their moves turning for home, Stonebridge Helios was unfazed and opened up a pair of lengths to win easily in 1:47.4. Casual Cool (Brian Sears) rallied late to grab the runner-up honours while Idealsomemagic A edged South Beach Star (David Miller) in a photo for show.

Stonebridge Helios went over the $700,000 earnings mark with his 13th career win for breeder Angie Stiller of Arva, Ont. and co-owner John Fleischman of Ottawa, Ont.

Picking his third win in five seasonal starts, he returned $3.30 to his backers at the betting windows.

Kilmister was never better than he was on Hambletonian Day, but his connections certainly would have rather entered the sophomore trotting colt in the Hambletonian as opposed to the undercard $50,000 Muscle Hill Stakes .

Sent off as the 3-5 choice, Kilmister made the top early for driver Brian Sears, yielded briefly to Little Expensive (Andy Miller) through a :26.4 opener and then looped back to the lead. After middle panels of :54.3 and 1:23.1, Sears kicked out the plugs at the head of the lane and Kilmister turned up the volume on his rivals. He sprinted home in :27.4 to trip the timer in a career best 1:51 up by four on Little Expensive with Herodotus (David Miller) airborne from the back of the pack to complete the triactor.

Kilmister (Chapter Seven - Treviso) picked up his second win of the season and seventh lifetime. The 2022 Peter Haughton Memorial winner, trained by Marcus Melander, now boasts a lifetime bankroll in excess of $580,000 for owner Courant Inc. of Delray Beach, Fl. He returned $3.00 on a $2 win ticket.

Scott Zeron had 23-1 shot Tactical Mounds perfectly positioned turning for home, and the three-year-old trotting filly delivered for her fractional ownership group in the $33,500 Continentalvictory Stakes .

Situated second from last in the first turn, Tactical Mounds never saw the rail during her Saturday stakes test but had cover for the first three-quarters of the race. Stacked up fourth over at the :27.1 opening quarter, Zeron bided his time with Tactical Mounds as the outer flow continued to advance. By the :55.2 half, Tactical Mounds made it into second over striking position. After the 1:23.2 third station, Zeron flipped the switch and angled Tactical Mounds into the three path. The filly responded willingly and stormed home to hit the wire in a career best 1:52.1. Blonde Bombshell (David Miller) was a length back in second with favoured Quick Stop (Tim Tetrick) finding room late to rally for the show spot.

Owned by Thestable Tactical Mounds of Guelph, Ont., Tactical Mounds (Tactical Landing - Mounds) now 4-3-6 in 19 starts with $82,965 in the bank. Megan Scran trains the filly, who paid $48.40 to win.

Stonebridge Farm Yearlings Return To London

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 17:29:47 GMT

The return of Stonebridge Farm yearlings to the London Classic Yearling Sale is a welcome sight for many as the final preparation months now lay ahead with the LCYS taking place on October 17-18 at the Western Fair District Agriplex.

“The name Stonebridge has always been associated with quality,” noted Sale Manager Greg Blanchard. “We’re lucky to have some of the best commercial breeding farms in North America right here in our own back yard and Stonebridge Farm is certainly one of them.”

Eight yearlings (4 trotters and 4 pacers) have been offered by the Arva, Ontario farm, owned and operated by Angie and Cal Stiller, since 1995.

“They’re the farm that gave us triple-millionaire Peaceful Way,” says Blanchard. “Having them back with us this year bolsters our line-up in what we believe is a very strong sale.”

Last week Stonebridge Farm’s Whitney Steeves and Nelson Apolinario were kind enough to offer a fabulous tour of Stonebridge Farm to our racing team. “It was the perfect day for a visit to this beautiful farm,” mentioned Manager of Equine Programming Amy O’Toole. “Our team really enjoyed getting up close to the broodmares, yearlings and babies.”

When asked if any of the yearlings left a special impression O’Toole was quick to respond. “Stonebridge Queen caught my attention right away… She was super friendly and offered up a nice greeting and then followed us to the paddock. I can’t wait to see her in our sales ring this October!”

Stonebridge Farm yearlings entered into the London Classic Yearling Sale this Fall include:

STONEBRIDGE ALIEN (Shadow Play - Ken Doll J - Bettors Delight) a half-brother to STONEBRIDGE HELIOS ($585,000, P 1:47 M at 4). This is the third foal from a $221,000 winner - STONEBRIDGE HALO is now 2.

STONEBRIDGE IMPISH (Mcwicked - Glacier Express - Artsplace) a half-brother to STONEBRIDGE TONIC ($955,000, P 1:50.1 M at 4), STONEBRIDGE ON ICE ($530,000, P 1:49.4S at 6) and STONEBRIDGE QUEST ($240,000, P 1:51.1S at 3). Dam is a full-sister to ELECTRICAL ART ($1M, P 1:51 M at 3) and JUST PLUG IT IN ($307,000, P 1:51.3 F at 5).

STONEBRIDGE SONG (All Bets Off - Aria J - Art Major) a roan sibling to LARJON LEAH ($164,000, P 1:51.5 M at 6) from a 100% producing mare.

STONEBRIDGE WIZARD (Dancin Lou - Odds On Magic - Rocknroll Hanover) a half-brother to STONEBRIDGE NIKE ($34,000, P 1:54.1 H at 3). Fourth foal from a full-sister to LINE OFFICER ($400,000 P 1:53.4 H at 5) and half-sister to MAGIC FORCES ($381,000, P 1:51.4 H at 3).

STONEBRIDGE POETRY (Resolve - Stonebridge Epic - Donato Hanover) a full-sister to STONEBRIDGE ZEUS ($80,000, T 1:56.4 F at 3) from a 100% producing mare. Dam is a half-sister to PEACEFUL WAY ($3.2M, T 1:51.4 M at 4).

STONEBRIDGE PRAISE (Green Manalishi S - Stonebridge Encore - Angus Hall) a half-brother to TITO ($290,000, T 1:56 M at 2), STONEBRIDGE PEACE ($115,000, T 1:54.2 S at 4), MASSIVE VODKA ($114,000, T 1:56.2 H at 4) and THE BOSS MAN ($80,000, T 1:56.3 F at 4). Dam is a full-sister PEACEFUL WAY ($3.2M, T 1:51.4 M at 4).

STONEBRIDGE QUEEN (Trixton - Stonebridge Cream - Credit Winner) fourth foal from a half-sister to CREAMY MIMI ($929,000, T 1:53.4 M at 3).

STONEBRIDGE VOLENT (Muscle Mass - Stonebridge Glider - Yankee Glide) a half-brother to CHAPERIDGE ($60,000, T 1:58.4 H at 4) and STONEBRIDGE BOMBER ($50,000, T 1:57.3 S at 2). Dam is a full-sister to MANOFMANYMISSIONS ($1.2M, t 1:52.1M at 3).

Stonebridge Farm was started in 1995 as a ‘boutique’ standardbred breeding farm by Angie Stiller, the President of the operation, and her husband Cal Stiller. The farm is located in Arva, Ontario on a picturesque property cut into the rolling hills of southwestern Ontario on the site of a previous Egyptian-Arabian breeding farm.

Stonebridge Helios holds; Dunn, Svanstedt sweep Graduate Finals

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 12:44:05 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — One race after Jiggy Jog S strolled to victory in the final for the Graduate Series Trot, the tandem of driver Dexter Dunn and trainer Ake Svanstedt united on another odds-on promise in Stonebridge Helios and secured the spoils in the $240,000 Graduate Series Pace – for pacing 4-year-olds – on Saturday night (July 8) at The Meadowlands.

Dunn floated Stonebridge Helios forward in a first-turn skirmish led by I Did It Myway (Andrew McCarthy) to a :26 first quarter. Dreamfair Arnie B (Todd McCarthy) edged off the pylons to the backstretch sweeping to the lead before Stonebridge Helios seized control just before a :53.4 half. Mad Max Hanover (Tim Tetrick), the 3-1 second choice, followed the flow but then raced uncovered and pressed Stonebridge Helios to the final turn.

Though Mad Max Hanover only challenged briefly, and he began backtracking midway through the final turn. Stonebridge Helios meanwhile attempted to scoot clear through three-quarters in 1:21.2, but grew leg weary in the last eighth. Dunn held the 4-year-old stallion by Sunshine Beach together through the lane as he strolled three-quarters of a length in front at the finish of a 1:48.1 mile. Dreamfair Arnie B vacated the pocket and held second from a headstrong Trendy Teen (Jason Bartlett) charging for third with I Did It Myway back in fourth.

“I wanted to try and get him on the front – he was so good winning in [1:]47 on the front,” Dexter Dunn said after the race. “I had Timmy [Tetrick and Mad Max Hanover] inside of me that can go out with fast speed, too. But once we got out of the gate quicker than him, the plan was to keep going forward, get him on the front and get him churning on the bit. It worked out.

“Coming off the last turn, he was travelling pretty good, but I could still hear horses on my back – Toddy [McCarthy and Dreamfair Arnie B] was still travelling pretty good behind me. I just let him roll. He’s a big strong boy and he fought on really good.”

Ake Svanstedt trains Stonebridge Helios, who moved into their barn at the start of his 4-year-old season. He competes for owners John Fleischman and breeder Angie Stiller, and has now won 12 times from 21 outings while accruing $583,605 in earnings. He paid $3.40 to win.

View Stonebridge Helios’ victory in the Graduate Final by clicking here.

McNair Looking To Close Out Gold Season Strong

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 20:39:32 GMT

Gregg McNair finds himself in a familiar position as the Ontario Sires Stakes season draws to a close, near the top of the Johnston Cup standings, and with colts in his stable primed to make a run at Super Final glory.

Two of the Guelph, Ont. resident’s colts, Stonebridge Helios and Sport Secret, are entered in the final Gold leg of the season for three-year-old pacers this Friday, Sept. 30 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, with two $104,000 divisions set to go as races three and six on the card.

“We’ve had a pretty good go this year,” said McNair. “They’ve been a nice bunch of horses that we’ve had all year and even though we didn’t start too many three-year-olds, the ones we have, they have been pretty nice horses.”

Stonebridge Helios (pictured above) is making his return to the racetrack after a one-month layoff. The Sunshine Beach colt was a standout two-year-old and has backed it up at three.

He transferred to the McNair barn in June, following an ownership change to dissolve a partnership, and has compiled a 2022 record of 6-0-1 in nine starts for current owners John Fleischman from Ottawa, Ont., and Angie Stiller of London, Ont.

“He was a high-speed horse last year and even this year before we got him,” said McNair. “It’s just a matter of making him behave himself. He’s definitely one of the tougher ones when he behaves himself because he is such a fast horse.”

‘Helios’ has a perfect record in three OSS Gold starts this season and a win would push him over last season’s total of three victories at the top-level of the provincial program.

McNair’s son Doug will be in the race bike on Friday leaving from post two in the second Gold division of the evening.

Sport Secret drew the rail position in race three, with Doug also in the bike. A talented son of Sportswriter, he has found the winner’s circle six times in 2022 and won a Gold division at Georgian Downs on Aug. 7.

His other five wins have all come at Woodbine Mohawk Park, but he’s yet to find the winner’s circle at the big oval against stakes company.

“He’s had some awful tough trips when going for the money,” said McNair. “But he has a better hole on Friday, so hopefully that helps him, but that doesn’t always mean you get a nice trip out of it. Things happen out in the race that nobody can do anything about.”

Sport Secret had made 21 starts for McNair and his co-owner Jeffrey Skinner of Hammonds Plains, N.S., but his trainer is sure he’s fresh heading into the stretch drive of his sophomore campaign.

“We’ve tried not to be too tough on him,” said McNair. “He got some wicked tough trips over the summer, but he hasn’t been overly raced. We do lots of trips with him, but he’s not a horse that needs a lot of fast miles in between races.”

Heading into the final Gold leg, Stonebridge Helios and Sport Secret are numbers one and five on the glamour boys Gold leaderboard.

Other top contenders as McNair sees it, Ron (sired by Sportswriter), Kolby Two Step (Betterthancheddar) and St Lads Sterling (Control The Moment), have all drawn into the final Gold leg and will be jockeying for position ahead of the Oct. 15 Super Final at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

“They’re a pretty nice bunch and when the top 10 get in there together,” said McNair, “it’s a pretty nice bunch of colts and no slouch of a group.”

Stonebridge Helios Grabs Gold

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:14:19 GMT

Familiar faces were back in the winner’s circle in Friday evening’s (Aug. 26) Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Gold leg for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Stonebridge Helios picked up his third Gold win of the year while Kolby Two Step grabbed his second in Friday’s fourth leg of the season.

Despite a rough beginning, Stonebridge Helios came up large with a powerful 1:49.4 score in his $100,400 Gold division.

Driven by Doug McNair, Stonebridge Helios had troubles at the gate and spotted his rivals a handful of lengths when the wings folded. St Lads Sterling rocketed out to the lead and posted strong fractions of :26.1, :54.2 and 1:22.3.

McNair gave Stonebridge Helios his cue to roll at the half and the favourite turned in a big final-turn move to pace up beside the leader. In the stretch, Stonebridge Helios muscled by St Lads Sterling to post a near two lengths victory for his third sub-1:50 win of the season.

“He’s kind of a tricky horse leaving the gate,” said McNair about the start of the race. “Some nights he’s better than others and tonight when I scored him out, he was just like he was behind the gate.”

Friday’s victory gives Stonebridge Helios six wins in nine starts this season.

“They were just stretched right out and rolling right along and he felt like he was going a half in a minute. He’s quite a horse. When I moved him he just come up right alongside [St Lads Sterling] like it was a great trip, but it really wasn’t. He’s a real special horse.”

A son of Sunshine Beach, Stonebridge Helios is now four for five since joining the barn of trainer Gregg McNair. The latest Gold victory gives the sophomore 10 career wins and pushes his earnings over $542,000. John Fleischman and Angie Stiller share ownership.

Stonebridge Helios paid $2.20 to win.

WATCH FOR STONEBRIDGE HELIOS' HALF-SISTER Stonebridge Halo SELLING THIS FALL IN THE LEXINGTON SELECTED YEARLING SALE.

Stonebridge Helios Takes Gold

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 17:22:09 GMT

Congratulations to Sunshine Beach son Stonebridge Helios who captured the second Ontario Sires Stakes Gold division for three-year-old pacing colts on August 7th at Georgian Downs.

With Doug McNair in the bike for trainer and father Gregg, Helios was impressive from start to finish. Sent off at 1-9 from post four, he settled off the 26.4 first quarter and made a powerful first up move as the field passed the grandstand for the first time, going from fourth to the front, and leading the rest of the way to win by two lengths.

His final time of 1:49.4 is only three-tenths of a second off his career mark of 1:49.1 set his last time out.

“He seems to be getting stronger every start,” said Gregg. “He went a nice mile last week at Mohawk, and tonight was a big trip, doing quite a bit of the work, and leading them through the half in 54. It was a good mile for him.”

He now has $491,000 in earnings for owners John Fleischman and Angie Stiller.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like him. He’s a nice horse and he has a lot of go,” said Gregg. “He’s a nice horse to be around, and he was nice when we got him, and he is still a nice horse.”

Stonebridge Helios comes up big in OSS Gold

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 16:17:41 GMT

The evening’s C$101,300 second division saw a returning Stonebridge Helios strike for a 1:51 score.

Now trained by Gregg McNair, Stonebridge Helios capitalized off a second-over trip from driver McNair to win in his first start since the Pepsi North America Cup eliminations on June 11.

“That’s only the second time I’ve ever sat behind him, I sat behind him last week in a training mile,” said Doug McNair. “It worked out well, it’s not really what I thought was going to happen but it’s the way it worked out and he raced good enough to win. It was his first start back and it’s been a while. I had him a long way out at the half, so for him to dig in deep in the stretch was pretty good for a horse that was probably a little bit short.”

Magical Arthur (Jonathan Drury) cut the mile, posting fractions of :27.1, :55.4 and 1:23.4. Stonebridge Helios edged out from fifth at the half to sit second-over behind Acapulco Sunburn (MacDonald). Those two would square off in the stretch with ‘Helios’ getting the upper-hand to win.

Ron made a late bid to finish second by a neck. Acapulco Sunburn finished third, while Mr Beast was fourth.

A Grand Circuit winner at age two, Stonebridge Helios started his three-year-old season strong by winning the SBOA Stakes before a third in the Somebeachsomewhere and a break in the NA Cup elimination. A slight change to his ownership group saw the colt moved to Gregg McNair’s barn in late June.

“We had him ready to go once there three weeks ago, but then he came up sick and we had to scratch him,” said Gregg McNair. “He probably had ten days off from training and then we trained him again and he’s been super training, but it’s not like racing. I said to the owners that it’s like having a new car around and not being able to drive it.”

Stonebridge Helios is owned by John Fleischman and Angie Stiller. The Sunshine Beach colt is now three for five this season and seven for 12 lifetime. His career earnings moved to $429,760 with Saturday’s win.

A $2 win ticket on Stonebridge Helios returned $3.70.

The third OSS Gold leg for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings is scheduled for August 7 at Georgian Downs.

Stonebridge Farm Acquires Newsday

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 21:41:10 GMT

The talented and impeccably bred Newsday p, 3, 1:51.3 ($347,808) is the latest mare added to the broodmare band at Stonebridge Farm in Arva, Ontario.

The seven-year-ol d daughter of Art Major was a multiple New York Sire Stakes winner during her two- and three-year-old seasons, finishing a close second in the final during her sophomore campaign. She would race for three more years and retires with 117 lifetime starts and a summary of 14-27-15.

Her dam is the $780,000 winner Good News Lady p, 3, 1:51.1, a sister to Dieberspace p, 1:49.4 ($625,000) and the dam of millionaire Escape The News p, 4, 1:48.4.

Newsday will be bred to Captaintreacherous in 2022.

New Additions At Stonebridge

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 16:37:29 GMT

Stonebridge Farm’s breeding barn recently added two very talented pacing mares to their roster. Set Me Up was a successful winner in her career of earnings in excess of $646,309 and a mark of 1:50.4f. The daughter of Shark Gesture has one foal to date, a yearling filly by Sportswriter, and she’s back in foal to that top Ontario sire.

Set Me Up’s dam, Moccasin Flight, was a seven time Ontario Sires Stakes winner in her career and her dam, Armbro Justify, won 19 OSS events close to three decades ago.

At the recently concluded Harrisburg sale the farm purchased stakes winner Shouldabeenatd p, 2, 1:52.2f, 3, 1:51.1f, 4, 1:50.4f ($267,608). The gorgeous four-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou is from the $603,000 winner Breakheart Pass. Shouldabeenatd is a full sister to $338,000 winner Pace Baby Pace p, 4, 1:50.3f and this year’s good two-year-old Birthday p, 2, 1:52f – ’21 ($153,677).

Stonebridge is currently determining the sires for each mare for the 2022 season.

‘Agate’ Tops Second London Session

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 02:29:41 GMT

Day two of the London Virtual Yearling Sale concluded with Stonebridge Agate luring the highest price of the 37 yearlings sold through the online auction.

Selling as Hip #48, Stonebridge Agate drew a winning bid of $105,000 from Larry Walker to the countdown of the timer. The filly by Muscle Mass is out of the Credit Winner mare Stonebridge Cream, who is a half sister to 2008 Hambletonian Oaks winner Creamy Mimi (3, 1:53.4M; $929,193). Stonebridge Agate is the second foal from the mare, whose first foal is the Southwind Frank filly Demasiado, and is from a maternal line which also includes the dam of Pizza Dolce (3, 1:52.4M; $668,824), dam of broodmare Bella Dolce (3, 1:54.2S; $753,133) who foaled 2021 Hambletonian Oaks winner Bella Bellini (3, 1:52.1M; $705,698).

Another Stonebridge Farm consignee, Stonebridge Jasper , drew the second-highest price of the session when auctioning for $98,000 to Luc Blais. The Muscle Mass colt – selling as Hip #58 – is the seventh foal from Stonebridge Encore, who is a full sister to champion mare Peaceful Way (4, 1:51.4M; $3,245,055).

Demasiado trotted in 1:58f at Harrah's

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:58:15 GMT

Demasiado trotted in 1:58f at Harrah's on Tuesday, October 19 morning finishing 2nd in a qualifier.

Selling STONEBRIDGE AGATE, a sister to Demasiado in the London Virtual Yearling Sale TODAY!

Stonebridge Nitro hitting top gear

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:21:05 GMT

Stonebridge Nitro motored in the final quarter for her third straight harness racing win on Tuesday at Flamboro Downs and ascended to second in the Prospect Series standings in the final regular season round.

The daughter of Muscle Mass , after starting sixth, moved third-over at the half for Robert Shepherd and exploded three-wide entering the final turn. She swiftly soared by two battling leaders and coasted to a 1:59.3 victory.

She won the day’s sole division for three-year-old trotting fillies and improved her career record to four-for-19. Melissa Lamoureux has leased the filly for the season; she also trains her.

Radical J J (Ryan Desroche) won the aforementioned fight for second. Top Of The Bar (Mark Etsell) finished third.

Stonebridge jasper , a full brother to Stonebridge Nitro is selling this fall in the London Virtual Yearling Sale.

McNair Doubles Up, Sweeps Grassroots with Stonebridge Rex

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 13:26:01 GMT

Driver Doug McNair had the keys to the Grassroots winner’s circle at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Tuesday (Sept. 14), guiding three-year-old pacing geldings Mustang Beach and Stonebridge Rex to victory.

“It’s nice any time you win two races, especially with these types of horses,” said McNair, the 2014 winner of the Lampman Cup as the leading driver in the Ontario Sires Stakes program, who is currently sitting fifth in the 2021 point race.

The Guelph, Ont. resident made his first appearance in front of the track photographer with Mustang Beach, who got away third from post 1 and watched division point leader No Plan Intended power out to a :26.1 quarter and favourite Cantstoplying take over through a :54.3 half and continue to lead to three-quarters in 1:22.2. In the stretch, as Cantstoplying started to drift right, McNair urged Mustang Beach up the pylons and the gelding sprinted under the wire a one-half length winner in a personal best 1:50.4. No Plan Intended finished second and Proline closed well for third, leaving Cantstoplying to settle for fourth.

“He’s one of those horses that I’ve just been getting really lucky trips with, and he’s been firing hard in the stretch,” said McNair, who also piloted the gelding to a late-rushing victory in overnight action at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Aug. 27. “He raced good.”

In his other Grassroots appearances, Mustang Beach finished sixth, ninth and fourth, so he needed Tuesday’s victory to extend his season through the Oct. 1 Grassroots Semi-Finals. With 61 points, the Sunshine Beach gelding will finish eleventh in the standings.

“Oh my god, I am so happy for the owner, he’s just a fantastic guy,” said trainer Duane Marfisi of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. resident Frank Provenzano, whose horses compete under the Busi Racing banner. “He bought into the horse on the discretion that I would continue training him and I said, ‘I don’t think he’s got those 1:51 miles in him.’ And every time the horse bumps up his record he says to me, ‘I told you he could go that fast’.”

The win was Mustang Beach’s third in 10 sophomore starts and boosted his season earnings to $33,688.

“He’s just an overachiever,” said Guelph resident Marfisi. “He really is a tiny little horse, but he tries every time he goes out there. He loves to come off a helmet.”

Starting from post 4 in the second $21,800 division, McNair opted to control the pace with Stonebridge Rex, sending the favourite to the front soon after the :26.2 quarter. Unchallenged through a :55.2 half and 1:23.2 three-quarters, Stonebridge Rex had to shift into battle mode in the stretch to hold off pocket-sitter Century Hannibal, prevailing by a head in 1:50.4. Twin B Fighter was three and three-quarter lengths behind the dueling leaders in third.

“[Jim] Ritchie’s horse [Century Hannibal] made a great race out of it,” said McNair. “Stonebridge Rex has just come right around since starting Lasix [Aug. 14]. I used him up hard the last three starts and he’s been racing really well.”

The win was the Control The Moment son’s second in Grassroots action, with the first coming Aug. 20 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. On Aug. 28 the gelding finished fourth in his Champlain Stakes division at the Campbellville oval after doing all the work up front.

McNair’s father, Gregg McNair of Guelph, ON, trains Stonebridge Rex and shares ownership of the gelding with breeder Angie Stiller of Arva and Gary Colter of Mississauga, ON. With two wins, one second and one third Stonebridge Rex wraps up the regular season ranked third in the standings with 137 points.

The top-20 point earners will return to Woodbine Mohawk Park on Oct. 1 for a pair of Semi-Finals and the top-five finishers from each Semi-Final will earn a berth in the Grassroots Championship on Oct. 9.

Next on Woodbine Mohawk Park’s Ontario Sires Stakes calendar is the Grassroots regular season finale for the two-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Thursday (Sept. 16). The colts will battle in Races 3, 5 and 8 on the 7 p.m. (EDT) card and fans can download a program and watch the live stream on the Campbellville oval’s website or register to attend in person.

Stonebridge Helios commanding in Champlain

Sun, 12 Sep 2021 14:30:25 GMT

Stonebridge Helios muscled to the top and battled off a third quarter challenge to win the $213,170 open harness racing division of the Champlain Stakes on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Bob McClure kept the son of Sunshine Beach wide entering the first turn as they floated out from post eight and hurried him to the front in a :27.3 opening quarter mile. They took a backstretch breather, hitting the half in :56.3, and warred against the pocket-popping Market Based (Dexter Dunn) as they passed three-quarters in 1:25.

Stonebridge Helios repelled his rival as they straightened for home and kicked away to a three-and-a-quarter-length score in 1:52.1. Market Based was clear in second; Century Inspector (Tyler Moore) was a couple of lengths behind him in third.

“He did it really easy so we ended up getting away, and he was either be in a position to either get to the front or go first up,” McClure said. “He felt so good I just decided to give him his head and let him go cut it. He got to the front and was really relaxed, and about halfway through the far turn I just spoke to him and he swelled right up. And wow, did he ever kick home. I shut him down pretty early, just kept his attention… he’s progressing into an extremely nice colt.”

Stonebridge Helios improved his lifetime record to four-for-six lifetime with the victory against freshman and increased his earnings to more than $250,000. He has now won three straight with two previous wins in Ontario Sires Stakes Golds. John Pentland trains and co-ownsthe colt with John Fleischman of Ottawa, Angie Stiller of Arva.

Silver Label stayed unbeaten through six starts as she fired from fifth to first uncovered to earned a 1:52.2 victory in the $180,520 division of the Champlain for fillies.

James MacDonald piloted the Nick Gallucci trainee to her sixth lifetime victory for Millar Farms, which bred and owns the horse. Silver Label debuted in the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots but moved up to the Gold level and won three before her Champlain score. The daughter of Bettors Delight has earned $246,176 to date.

“I didn’t want to get in a big rush with her and blast her to the front,” MacDonald said after the race. “She really loves coming off a helmet. I was hoping I could find one. I probably could’ve brushed her to the lead, but I just had so much confidence in her. I said ‘If I got to come first up, I got to come first up.’ When she sees a horse, she just really wants to track them down. I was really confident – it looked like Todd [McCarthy and Boudoir Hanover] was going to get away, and then she just finds more every time you need her to. Just a beautiful horse and a pleasure to drive.”

Stonebridge Helios Moves To Head Of OSS Class

Sat, 04 Sep 2021 14:52:22 GMT

Ontario’s top two-year-old pacing colts opened an action-packed night of stakes racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Sept. 4), competing in two $100,000-plus Gold Series divisions on a card worth more than $1.9 million.

Fans sent two-time Gold Series winner Stonebridge Helios as their top choice in the first $101,400 division, and the strapping son of Sunshine Beach did not disappoint. Driver Bob McClure eased the colt away from post 4 and settled in fourth as Bob Loblaw led the field to a :27 opening quarter, then sent his charge to the lead on the way to the :54.4 half. Macho Phil mounted a challenge heading by the 1:24.2 three-quarters, but Stonebridge Helios pulled away to a one-length victory in 1:52.2. Bootlegger Charlie and Coligny Hanover, also by Sunshine Beach, closed well for second and third.

“He really raced well. Bob [McClure] had to go to plan B off the gate there and he was used pretty hard ‘til the half, and then Jody [Jamieson] came hard, and he looked like he won comfortably enough. I’m sure if you asked the horse he’d think he was tired, but it looked good from where I was standing,” said trainer John Pentland of London, who shares ownership of the colt with John Fleischman of Ottawa and breeder Angie Stiller of Arva, Ont. “I was impressed that off a three week lay-off he could come back and race that well.”

After debuting in the Ontario Sires Stakes program with a second-place result in the Grassroots season opener, Stonebridge Helios has been undefeated in Gold Series action, winning at Woodbine Mohawk Park on July 16 and Aug. 14. Through five starts, the colt boasts a record of three wins and two seconds for earnings of $162,125 and he sits atop the Gold Series standings with a perfect 150 points.

Provided he remains happy and healthy, Stonebridge Helios will make his next start in the Sept. 11 Champlain Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park, finish the Gold Series regular season at Flamboro Downs on Oct. 3 and then return to Woodbine Mohawk Park for the Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final on Oct. 16.

“There’s not a lot left on his plate, but that race [Champlain] and the Super Final are the two I am looking forward to,” said Pentland, noting that his staff have been critical to the colt’s success. “Everybody in my stable is treating this horse like he’s royalty and it’s kind of fun. It’s just a fun year having a horse like this. We’ve been down this road before, luckily, and it’s always a thrill. Keep throwing it at me, because I tell you it ain’t ever going to get old, it’s a thrill.”

Stonebridge Helios leads the OSS for 2 year old colt pacers!

McClure Sweeps Gold Divisions With Stonebridge Helios

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 15:40:23 GMT

Driver Bob McClure swept the two-year-old pacing colt Gold Series divisions at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Aug. 14), steering Stonebridge Helios and Kolby Two Step to impressive victories.

In the first $99,800 division, McClure and Stonebridge Helios wound up at the back of the six-horse field from post 6 and watched from there as favourite Erinwood Yves controlled the pace through fractions of :27.2, :56.4 and 1:24.4. Coming off the final turn, McClure turned Stonebridge Helios loose in an open lane and the Sunshine Beach horse powered down the stretch in :26.1 to get a head in front of Erinwood Yves at the 1:52 finish. Camealongway was another head back in third.

“That’s definitely the worst drive I’ve given this week, luckily there was a lot of horsepower in front of me or he probably wouldn’t have been top three with the position I had him in,” said McClure. “And there was a headwind here tonight too. They’re not supposed to make up ground with a headwind, not like that.”

John Pentland trains Stonebridge Helios and owns the colt in partnership with breeder Angie Stiller of Arva and John Fleischman of Ottawa, Ont. The London, Ont. resident was deeply impressed with the colt, who was also a winner in the July 16 Gold Leg at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

“That was big time, that was a big time thrill,” said Pentland. “He didn’t look to me like he’d hit the board, I had just kind of resolved myself, maybe he’ll get up for fourth. That’s a good horse.

“I said the other day, he’s one of the three best horses I think I’ve ever sat behind. The other two would be Chancey Lady and Chatham Light,” Pentland added. Pacing mare Chancey Lady was a winner of $2 million who took a record of 1:48.4 in 2010, and pacing horse Chatham Light earned $849,845 in his career, taking a record of 1:53.3 in 1990. “I don’t know if he’s going to end up anywhere in that kind of company, I have no idea, he’s got to do a lot more, but he’s just such a nice horse, so good gaited, drives so good, do anything you want with him. He’s a real class act that horse.”

McClure was back in the winner’s circle four races later with the bettor’s second choice Kolby Two Step. Starting from post 3, Kolby Two Step left smartly and settled in behind Century Inspector before the :27.2 quarter. McClure soon sent Kolby Two Step to the lead and was pursued by Bob Loblaw, who hit the half in :55.3. McClure then tipped Kolby Two Step out behind Betterhavemymoney, but the favourite did not have his usual pop and McClure was soon looking for a wider lane. In the stretch Kolby Two Step kicked home to a 1-1/2 length win in a personal best 1:51.2. Century Inspector closed for second and Bob Loblaw stayed game for third.

“It’s a tricky situation sometimes, those small fields,” said McClure. “Usually there’s a cheap middle half and it’s tough to make up ground, but that was obviously not the case in Kolby Two Step’s race. That was a very exciting race for a five horse field. I wish it had of been a little more boring.

“I left out, I had to re-move, I had to grab up, and when I went to ask him a third time I was in disbelief that he had some more to give me.”

McClure drives Kolby Two Step for trainer Timothy Gillespie of Grafton and his co-owner Jason Churchill of Colborne, Ont. The win was the Betterthancheddar son’s third of the season. He was also victorious in his July 1 debut and in the July 9 Grassroots Leg, both at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and finished second to Betterhavemymoney in the July 16 Gold Leg.

“The first time I baby raced him (June 25) they indicated that they were hoping to put him in the Grassroots the next Friday, but when they pulled him out of the stall he was just a monster of a horse, and then as soon as you got on the track you could feel that there was some power there. After his qualifier I told them, ‘You might want to set your standards a little higher here, I think he’s a legitimate Gold colt’,” said McClure. “And then he jogged in his first lifetime start, then he blew them away in his second, in a Grassroots, and I thought he raced awesome in his first Gold. He had to do a lot of work, and he had to triple move and he just got beat by a better horse that night, by Betterhavemymoney.

The fourth Gold Series Leg goes postward Sept. 4 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and both Stonebridge Helios and Kolby Two Step are eligible for the Champlain Stakes one week later, however that is the only open stake event either colt has on his calendar. Following the Champlain, they will return to Gold Series action on Oct. 3 at Flamboro Downs before wrapping their season in the Oct. 16 Super Final.

Stonebridge Helios Flies In Golds At Mohawk Park

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 18:02:33 GMT

Professional, easy-going, strong, willing — trainers Nick Gallucci and John Pentland called on similar adjectives Friday night to describe their two-year-old pacing colt Gold Series winners Betterhavemymoney and Stonebridge Helios .

The pacers took very different trips around the Woodbine Mohawk Park oval to get to the winner’s circle, but they tripped the teletimer in identical 1:51.4 clockings and both looked impressive in the effort.

Starting from Post 6 in the first $103,800 division, Betterhavemymoney and driver James MacDonald spent most of the mile in the outer lane, had to dodge a breaking Coligny Hanover in the final turn, and laid down a :26.3 last quarter to earn their victory. Kolby Two Step, who did much of the work on the front end, finished one length behind the favourites in second and Erinwood Yves also closed like a rocket to be third.

“I was a little worried when that horse made a break in front of him in the turn, but he handled it like a professional. He does everything right this horse,” said Nick Gallucci. “And looking at him as a horse you’d never guess that he could be that quick-footed, but once he gets those legs moving they fly. It’s pretty amazing.

“He’s very stocky, he doesn’t have a lot of leg underneath him, he’s big bodied, but when he gets moving he’s like a train, everything starts moving in the right direction.”

Millar Farms of Stouffville bred and own Betterhavemymoney, who is now a two-time Gold Series winner. The Betterthancheddar gelding also won his division in the July 3 season opener at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Gallucci and the rest of the Millar Farms team had always liked the gelding, but it was a June 25 qualifier clocked in 1:55.2 that made them think he might be something special.

“All along we had an idea that he was a nice horse, but the family hasn’t really produced anything as of yet so we were kind of on pins and needles,” said Gallucci. “He did everything right all along, you could do anything you want with him in a race. He was always very professional and did his job, but I never really started thinking he could be special until that second qualifier. Obviously he’s even gotten better from there.”

So long as he is happy and healthy following Friday’s race, Betterhavemymoney will make his next start in the July 26 Battle Of Waterloo eliminations at Grand River Raceway.

In the second $103,800 division, driver Bob McClure hustled Stonebridge Helios away from Post 7 and led the field to a :27.1 quarter. Im King Conn took over before the :56.2 half and Camealongway stepped to the lead before the 1:24.1 three-quarters. McClure sent Stonebridge Helios into the outer lane around the final turn and once the colt got an open look at the wire he laid down a :27 last quarter to record a three-quarter length victory. Camealongway settled for second and Bob Loblaw closed well for third.

Friday’s win was proof of what John Pentland had suspected since Stonebridge Helios arrived in his Dorchester, ON barn in mid-June. Owned by John Fleischman of Ottawa, ON, the colt was trained down by Dirk Simpson in Pennsylvania, qualified once at The Meadows Racetrack on June 15 and then shipped north for his Ontario Sires Stakes campaign.

“John Fleischman called and asked me if I would train the horse, he said he was just about to qualify at The Meadows and would I watch the qualifier. He was impressive in the qualifier and I was happy to take him,” said Pentland. “I have done very little. He was in good shape when I got him and he was hung up right, I’m just driving the truck.”

Pentland said Stonebridge Helios settled in effortlessly in his new surroundings and would have been competing with Betterhavemymoney in the Gold Series opener if not for a bruised foot he suffered in the paddock after his June 25 qualifier at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The foot issue put a wrinkle in the Sunshine Beach son’s training schedule, so instead of going postward in the July 3 Gold event he made his Ontario Sires Stakes debut in the July 9 Grassroots test, kicking home in :26.3 to finish second. That result was all the assurance his connections needed to enter Stonebridge Helios for the second Gold Leg.

“He is such a nice horse and he’s just absolutely push button. He’s a big strong horse, he’s the calmest horse in the world, whatever you want, he is happy to do,” said Pentland. “I think the colt is for real. He’s just so big and strong and happy to do it. There’s no issues. He just strikes me as a colt that is for real and might be able to hang around all summer.”

Unlike Betterhavemymoney, Stonebridge Helios is not headed to the Battle Of Waterloo eliminations. The colt will return to Gold Series action on Aug. 14 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Ontario Sires Stakes action returns to Woodbine Mohawk Park on Tuesday, July 20 with five $22,000 Grassroots divisions for the two-year-old pacing fillies.

Ohio Selected Jug Sale Topper Purchased for $120,000

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:41:41 GMT

Springbridge Dragn Purchased by Ron Burke

The Ohio Selected Jug Yearling Sale held today in Centerville, Ohio, was held safely and successfully to the credit of the organizing team with a strong catalogue, enthusiastic crowd and brisk bidding. The sales topper was a yearling, bred by Angie Stiller (Stonebridge Farm Ontario) and Springhaven Farm Ohio, SPRINGBRIDGE DRAGN , purchased by the Burke Stable for $120,000.. The colt was the second foal of Stonebridge Damsel, and is the half brother to Springbridge Duel p.2, 1.51.3, ($78,208) and is by the popular new Ohio sire Fear Of The Dragon.

Stonebridge Farm will have a consignment with Springhaven Farm at the Lexington Select Yearling Sale and will sell a further group of their Class of 2020 at the Virtual London Select Yearling Sale .

Stonebridge Angel

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:51:18 GMT

The offspring of the Hambletonian Oaks Elimination winner , OK TO PLAY 2, 1:58.4, 3, 1:53.3 -'09 ($171,785) 3 wins, by YANKEE GLIDE 3, 1:55.1, BT1:53-'97, continue to show their winning ways on the track. NO TIME TO PLAY (g, Kadabra) 3, 1:55.3s -'20 ($25,614 ), won her second OSS grassroots ON Sept. 10th in convincing fashion at Mohawk, and STONEBRIDGE STRONG (f, Muscle Mass) 2, 2:00.4s -'20 ($8,813), her current 2 year old performer also recently won on the big track in the OSS GR stakes by 5 lengths. This now make her the dam of three stake champions and 5 winners from 6 foals of racing age. Her current yearling STONEBRIDGE ANGEL is a CANTAB full sister to two of her stakes placed and winning offspring, STONEBRIDGE GAMBLE (g, Cantab Hall) 2, 1:57.4f, 3, 1:54.4f -'18, BT1:53-'19 ($119,115), and CONSUS VICTORY (g, Cantab Hall) 3, 1:55.1f -'19, BT1:54.1-'19 ($81,175). Offered in the STONEBRIDGE CLASS OF 2020.

Family of Stonebridge Midas

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:51:13 GMT

From the family of Stonebridge Soul

STONEBRIDGE REEF (c, Somebeachsomewhere) p, 2, 1:54 -'20, BT1:52.4f-'20 ($11,823) easily regained his form winning on September 14th, after a month’s lay off. He is a full brother to STONEBRIDGE SOUL p, 2, 1:52.1, 3, 1:49.3f -'19, BT1:48.2-'19 ($707,671), and from the 100% producing dam ROCK N SOUL (m, Rocknroll Hanover) p, 2, 1:52.3s, 3, 1:52h, 1:49.4f -'13, BT1:49.1-'10 ($1,158,637). His SWEET LOU brother, STONEBRIDGE MIDAS, sells in the Lexington Sale as part of the Stonebridge Class of 2020 offering.

Stonebridge Kratos

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:51:08 GMT

MASSIVE VODKA (g, Muscle Mass) 3, 1:57.3h, 4, 1:56.2h -'20, BT1:54f-'20 ($69,395), scored a new mark on a half mile track, joining his full brother TITO (h, Muscle Mass) 2, 1:55 -'17, BT1:53.1s-'18 ($290,899) i n the winning record performances of Muscle Mass off spring from the dam STONEBRIDGE ENCORE 2, Q2:07s, 3, 1:59.4h -'09, BT1:56.3s-'09 ($30,401), she the full sister to PEACEFUL WAY (m, Angus Hall) 2, 1:56.2s, 3, 1:52.3, 4, 1:51.4 -'05 ($2,748,050) and full brother to STONEBRIDGE KRATOS THE 2020 YEARLING BEING SOLD IN THE STONEBRIDGE CONSIGNMENT

Stonebridge Thalia News

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:51:03 GMT

LARJON LEAH (f, American Ideal) p, 3, 1:55.1h -'20 ($13,667) , the three year old American Ideal Filly from ARIA J p, 2, 1:54.1f, 4, 1:50.1 ($195,878) 10 wins, by ART MAJOR p, 4, 1:48.4. scored her fifth consecutive win at Grand River, and appears to be blossoming into a competitive race mare in her last few weeks. She is sister to STONEBRIDGE THALIA , a Bettors Delight filly, only the third foal, and the first Bettors Delight foal for the mare. Stonebridge Thalia sells as Hip 48 in the London Selected Yearling Sale.

Freshmen Leap Up Grassroots Leaderboard

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 23:28:25 GMT

Stonebridge Rex and driver Doug McNair captured the first $23,500 division with a bold move at the five-eighths marker that saw them sail to the front and power away from the field to a six-and-one-quarter length victory in a personal-best 1:52.3. Big Bang Bang was second and Last Bet was two more lengths back in third.

"He's a nice horse. He steers funny sometimes, but other than that he's handy," said McNair of the Control The Moment gelding who started from post 5. "He tied up in Sarnia (Aug. 22), but he bounced back tonight."

The win was Stonebridge Rex's second in Grassroots action. He was also victorious in the July 20 leg at Woodbine Mohawk Park for trainer Gregg McNair of Guelph, breeder Angie Stiller of Arva and their co-owner Gary Colter of Mississauga, ON. With two wins, a sixth in the season opener and a seventh-place result at Sarnia's Hiawatha Horse Park on Aug. 22, Stonebridge Rex has 105 points and sits second in the division standings with one regular-season event remaining.

Read full story here.

Stonebridge Armour wins OSS

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:24:45 GMT

Panem winning Peaceful Way Elimination - Sept. 5 2019

The 2 year old half-brother to MANOFMANYMISSIONS (h, Yankee Glide) 2, 1:53.2f, 3, 1:52.1 -'11 ($1,215,076) , STONEBRIDGE ARMOUR (c, Muscle Mass) 2, Q2:00.1s -'20 ($17,419) is now a winner of two ONSS Grassroots div at Dresden, div at Hiawatha Horse Park. He joins a number of offspring from the great mare ARMBRO VANQUISH 2, 1:58.1, 3, 1:55.4s -'01, BT1:5 4.4-'01 ($321,522), winners of over 1.9 million, and half- brother to the extra-ordinary producer ARMBRO DEJA VU (m, Donerail) 3, 1:55.2 -'06, BT1:54-'06 ($21,079) dam of PANEM 2, 1:55.4s, 3, 1:53.4 -'20, BT1:50.4-'20 ($262,021).

The impressive KADABRA yearling from this great family half brother to Stonebridge Armour and Manofmanymissions, STONEBRIDGE HECATE is in the STONEBRIDGE CLASS OF 2020 offering as Hip 379 Lexington.

Stonebridge Armour Wins OSS Grassroots

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 12:56:56 GMT

Hiawathat Horse Park

The second Grassroots split saw Stonebridge Armour leave smartly from Post 7 and take control before the half, then cruise home a one-half length winner in 2:01.1. Insanity finished second and Crazy Goodbye was three more lengths back in third.

“He got out of there really good, like I could have blasted him right to the front easily, but I just kind of took my time with him and let things settle,” said driver Tyler Moore. “Brett MacDonald was on the front and his (Insanity) looked pretty green so when I come out of the first turn I just tipped him to the outside and away he went. He actually won pretty easy. I didn’t have to ask a lot out of him.”

Campbellville, Ont. resident Moore engineered the win for trainer Jacques Dupont’s Les Ecuries D’Orleans Inc. of Repentigny, Mario Bourgea, Gestion C. Levesque 2005 Inc. of St-Hyacinthe and Marc Camirand of Montreal, Que. The Muscle Mass son, a half-brother to $1.2 million winner Manofmanymissions, was a $45,000 acquisition from the 2019 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

Stonebridge Farm will sell Stonebridge Hecate , a colt by Kadabra in the London Selected Yearling Sale this fall.

McNair Magic With Rookies In Grassroots - Stonebridge Rex

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 16:14:09 GMT

Reigning Johnston Cup champion Gregg McNair had a productive night in the Ontario Sires Stakes Monday, sending out six freshman pacing colts in Grassroots action and collecting two wins, two seconds and two thirds.

The trainer made his first trip to the winner’s circle after the fourth $22,800 division, joining 1:54 winner Stonebridge Rex . Sent off as the favourite from Post 5, Stonebridge Rex sat mid-pack through the early fractions of :28 and :56.4 put up by Shazam Blue Chip, tipped out behind Snap Call heading by the 1:25.4 three-quarters and then laid down a :27.2 final fraction to claim the win. Snap Call finished two and three-quarter lengths back in second and Shazam Blue Chip was four more lengths back in third.

“He was a pretty spooky colt to jog and stuff when we first broke him, but he always had a pretty good gait to him,” said McNair, who shares ownership of the gelding with breeder Angie Stiller of Arva and Gary Colter of Mississauga, ON. “He qualified pretty good and we threw him right in the Grassroots, and oh I think Doug thought he would have been a little bit better his first start, but he never got the two qualifiers in, and so he was a lot stronger today.”

Stonebridge Rex finished sixth in the July 6 Grassroots season opener at Woodbine Mohawk Park, four and three-quarter lengths behind the winner. McNair said the Control The Moment son could make his next start in the Battle Of Waterloo eliminations at Grand River Raceway next Monday, July 27.

“We usually pay pretty near everything into that. It’s nice and close to home and we’ve had a little luck there a few times, so I’d like to put a couple in it,” said the rural Guelph resident, who has won the event three times, in 2008, 2013 and 2015. “Two or three in it would be good.”

McNair was back in the winner’s circle one race later with Watch My Beverage, who landed fourth from Post 9 and watched Warrawee Wazzup reel off a :27.1 quarter and a :56.1 half. Heading for the 1:25 three-quarters driver Doug McNair sent the gelding after the leaders and Watch My Beverage powered away to a three length victory in 1:54. Between I N U closed well for second and Counter Offer completed the top three.

“One made a break in front of him leaving the gate last week. He paced home in :26.4, but had no shot,” said Doug McNair, who finished fourth, placed third, with the gelding in the season opener. “Tonight he drew bad again, but I got a lot better trip with him. He’s a handy horse and getting confident in his gait. He was a little nervous qualifying.”

Gregg McNair trains Watch My Beverage for breeders Dean Lockhart of Collingwood and Jeffrey Ruch of Innisfil and their co-owner Paul Hawman of Collingwood, ON, and the trainer said it is the Hes Watching gelding making his staff nervous when it comes time to head to the paddock in the morning.

“He’ll haul you right out to the paddock there when you’re taking him out to the field. He gets in a hurry on the lead shank, but once you get the harness on him he’s nice to drive,” said the trainer. “He was the most consistent all winter; he trained good right from the start. He was kind of a wild little bugger to break and stuff, but on the track he’s pretty manageable.”

Watch My Beverage’s stablemates Admit One and Kyoquot finished third in the first two Grassroots divisions and Big Teddy and Big Idea finished second in the third and sixth splits. Doug McNair drove all six pacers and both he and his dad were pleased with the progress of the youngsters.

“They’re learning fast and going in the right direction,” said the driver.

“I was pretty happy with the whole works of them,” said the elder McNair, who added 24 points to his 2020 Johnston Cup tally. “I was surprised that many of them still raced good, usually there’s a couple of them start to go backwards now, but these guys are still going forward so we’re happy with them all.”

Driver Jody Jamieson also posted a two-win night with Candy Trader and Bulldog Hanover in the third and seventh divisions. Both colts were on top before the half and on cruise control at the wire. Candy Trader was two and three-quarter lengths ahead of Big Teddy and Last Bet, stopping the teletimer in 1:54.3.

Bulldog Hanover powered home five and one-half lengths ahead of Take Control and Southwind Sandor in 1:52.4.

“Candy likely would have won the first Grassroots if I drove him better. I zigged whenever I should have zagged. No mistakes tonight and he won pretty easily,” said Moffat resident Jamieson. “Bulldog is a big, strong colt and doesn’t really know what it’s all about just yet, but wants to go fast at all the right times. When he got the lead tonight he just grabbed the bit and paced away strong.”

Anthony Beaton trains Bettors Delight son Candy Trader for Steve Heimbecker of Conestogo, Larry Menary of Branchton, Michael Guerriero of Brampton and Ben Mudry of Toronto, ON. The gelding finished second in the Grassroots season opener.

Shadow Play son Bulldog Hanover was also second in the season opener for owner-trainer Jack Darling of Cambridge, ON.

The first division went to Sunshine Beach son Cadillac Bayama, who bested Armor Seelster and Admit One in 1:53.4 for driver Sylvain Filion, trainer Dr. Ian Moore and owner-breeder Bayama Farms Inc. of Saint-Andre-D’Argenteuil, QC.

Adrenaline Rush took the second division in 1:54.4. The Royal Mattjesty son and driver Bob McClure hit the wire one length ahead of Gold Train and Kyoquot for trainer Kevin McMaster and fractional ownership group TheStable Adrenaline Rush of Guelph, ON.

Betterthancheddar son All Cheddar took the sixth division with a 1:55.3 effort for driver Mike Saftic, trainer Jay Cochlin and owner James Smith of Hagersville, ON. Big Idea was second and Vino Louie third.

The two-year-old pacing colts will make their third Grassroots start at Hiawatha Horse Park on Aug. 22.

Complete results from Monday’s program are available at Woodbine Mohawk Park Results.

Ontario Sires Stakes action continues Tuesday evening at the Milton oval with the second Gold Series leg for the three-year-old trotting colts. The first race goes behind the starting gate at 7 pm and the trotting colts will square off in Races 2 and 6.

(OSS)

Springbridge Duel In OSS

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 17:24:23 GMT

Springbridge Duel and Desperate Man have done nothing but win since making their Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) debut two weeks ago. Springbridge Duel p, 2, 1:51.3s ($106,400) Big Jim - Stonebridge Damsel is now #1 on the OSS Leaderboard with $106,400 in OSS earnings for 2 yo pacing colts.

Back in Gold Series action at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (July 18), the geldings were sent off as heavy favourites in their respective $107,200 divisions and proved that their victories in the season opener had nothing to do with luck.

Starting from post 9, Springbridge Duel got away fourth as Twin B Heart Throb led the field to a :26.3 quarter. Next Big Thing took over on the front before the :57 half, but driver Bob McClure was content to let Springbridge Duel hover in fourth waiting for a wind break that came from Twin B Fighter heading for the 1:25.1 three-quarters. Just over five lengths behind the leader at the top of the stretch, Springbridge Duel eventually shifted into high gear and sprinted away from his peers to a two-length victory in 1:53.1. Avion Seelster closed well for second and Next Big Thing stayed game for third.

“Once Bob got his attention, he was really motoring that last eighth, but he definitely scared me at the head of the lane where it looked like he was kind of hanging little bit,” said trainer Casie Coleman Herlihy. “But I’ve got to remember he’s green too, he doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

After Springbridge Duel’s 1:51.3 win on the front in the July 3 season opener, Coleman Herlihy opted to switch him to an open bridle in an effort to keep the fractious youngster calm, cool and collected. While she was pleased with his effort, she is not sure the new equipment will remain in place for the Big Jim son’s next start in the Battle Of Waterloo eliminations at Grand River Raceway on July 27.

“I was kind of worried he was too quiet,” Coleman Herlihy said. “I’m not a trainer that ever uses an open bridle much, I like a horse up on the rigging and I like keeping their attention, but saying that this horse is extremely hot, he’s hard to handle, and when he gets mad he’ll get chucking his head and he will make a break if you get fighting him. So you’ve got to keep him happy and kind of do things the way he wants so he doesn’t get upset with you.

“Bob gave him a perfect trip, he couldn’t have got a better trip, where we finally we got to sit for a while and then come second over, that was a really good learning experience for him,” she added. “Now I’ve just got to figure out a happy medium with the horse.”

Coleman Herlihy trains Springbridge Duel for West Wins Stable, Steve Heimbecker and Mark Kantrowitz. The partners offered $40,000 for the gelding at last fall’s Harrisburg Yearling Sale and wondered all winter whether they would even see the horse race, let alone recoup any of his purchase price.

“Casie sent me two really funny videos — funny now that the colt has shown what he can do — and he was not a friendly animal at the start and we really didn’t have any high aspirations for him,” said Heimbecker. “He’s definitely proven us wrong. I’m very excited to see what this colt can do for the rest of the year. And I know it’s a little early to say, but I am excited about next year too.”

Kathy and John Cecchin and their daughter and son-in-law Nicole and Paul Davies are also excited to see what else is in store for Desperate Man after the Shadow Play son cruised to a three-length victory in the second $107,200 OSS division.

Starting from post 4 with regular reinsman Trevor Henry in the race bike, Desperate Man got away fifth and watched the second-betting choice Uncontrollable reach the quarter in :27.2. As the pace eased Henry sent Desperate Man after the lead, clearing control just after the :57.1 half. On top by two-and-three-quarter lengths at the 1:24.3 three-quarters, Desperate Man sailed down the stretch to the three=length victory in 1:52.3. Ucanttouchthis was second and Socrates Blue Chip finished third.

“I don’t think that we really ever thought, I mean John liked him and everybody liked him, but you know when you go to baby race you find out that everybody’s got a super nice colt, so we really didn’t have those kind of expectations at all,” said trainer Kathy Cecchin. “We’re happy that we have him and we really like him, but there’s a lot of nice colts out there and we’ll just hope for the best.”

Where Springbridge Duel was a headache for Coleman Herlihy and her team all winter, Desperate Man was a model student for the Cecchin’s, learning his lessons almost effortlessly.

“Super smart, John said all winter he’s much more like a four-year-old than he is like a two-year-old,” said Cecchin. “He just doesn’t do anything wrong really. He wears two head poles, but he doesn’t wear any big equipment, he’s just a pretty easy-going guy.”

The son of Shadow Play was a $20,000 acquisition at last fall’s Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, with Henry, John MacLeod and Jim Fleming responsible for bidding on the youngster for the Cecchin’s and son. After he arrived, the Cecchins gave half-ownership of him to the Davies’ as a wedding gift.

“We were looking for a horse from the family of Outlawgrabbingears, and his mother is a sister to Outlawgrabbingears mother. Outlawgrabbingears is their good horse, maybe a horse of a lifetime, and so I said, ‘Dad and I will give you money when you buy a house or we’ll give you half of the colt, whatever you want’, and they said that they wanted half of the colt so that’s what they got,” said Cecchin. “They’re pretty pleased about the whole thing I think. But like I said, it could have legitimately been half of nothing, because you don’t know, right.”

Through just two starts Desperate Man has earned $106,000, and while he is not eligible anything other than the Ontario Sires Stakes, he will have ample opportunity to pad the Davies’ down-payment fund. His next start comes on Aug. 21 when the two-year-old pacing colts return to Woodbine Mohawk Park for their third Gold leg.

(Ontario Sires Stakes)

SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL became the seasons champion

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL became the seasons champion July 3 with a 1:51.3 Gold Series win at Woodbine. He is by Big Jim out of the Mach Three daughter of Stonebridge Madona, a full sister to Stonebridge Regal and served notice that he will need to be contended with this season. This was his first paramutual start of his career and Casey Coleman deserves all the credit for molding this student into spectacular athlete.

His dam, Stonebridge Damsel , has a Fear The Dragon colt for sale this fall that looks every bit the part.