Blanket finish in Ontario Gold final for 2YO trotting colts

The 2-year-old trotting colt Ja El Express survived a thrilling stretch duel to capture the first $130,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Final of the season Thursday night at Mohawk Racetrack.

The son of Kadabra - Keystone Bluejay was saddled with post eight in the field of 10 but left alertly for driver Jody Jamieson and grabbed control just past the opening quarter in :29.1. As the field straightened up towards the half, Sombrero Hall moved to command, giving Ja El Express the coveted pocket position.

 

Sombrero Hall faced a stiff challenge from Magic Fruit as the field passed the half in :59 but managed to hold the front and opened a 1-1/2 length lead by the time they reached the third marker in 1:27.3.

Magic Fruit was resurgent and came back on to challenge the tempo-setter as the field turned for home. War King Ton also arrived on the scene and, with Ja El Express searching for racing room, it made for a mad scramble over the final eighth.

 

In the end, Ja El Express was able to find clearance and came through for a head decision. Magic Fruit won the battle for place with War King Ton finishing third and Sombrero Hall settling for fourth, beaten just a length.

 

Ja El Express ran his career unbeaten streak to three with the victory and improved his seasonal bankroll to $104,000 for trainer Jeff Gillis, who co-owns along with Ken Henwood of Mississauga, Ontario. (Mohawk)