Glidemaster in stakes record

Hambletonian winner Glidemaster made it look easy with a stakes-record performance in his $131,003 Simcoe Stakes division on Saturday at Mohawk Racetrack. John Campbell had the 2-5 favorite powering up from third to take over from Was It A Dream, who led to the half-mile marker in :56.4, approaching the far turn. From there, the 3-year-old son of Yankee Glide reached the three-quarter pole in 1:25.4 en route to coasting home in a stakes record clocking of 1:53.2.

The winning margin was a mind-blowing 8 1/2 lengths to runner-up Colonel Talbot. Was It A Dream was 11 lengths back in third. Blue Mac Lad, who was sent off as the second choice in the wagering, made an early break before rallying to finish fourth.

The victory was the fourth in eight starts this year for Glidemaster, who surpassed the $1-million mark in career earnings with the victory.

Trained by Blair Burgess of Campbellville, Glidemaster was making his first start in over a month, since springing a 6-1 upset in the famed Hambletonian on August 5 at The Meadowlands.

"I didn't think he would be at the top of his game or if I had to use him a lot, he'd be quite as tight as he's going to be in the next couple of weeks, but I had confidence in the horse," said Campbell. "He's got so much ability," added Campbell. "He proved that tonight. He was very comfortable finishing. He looked pretty eager when I moved him. He was feeling full of himself. I think the rest has helped him from a mental standpoint. He was keen and eager to go. When I asked him a little bit around the last turn, he cleared and kind of cruised from there on his own."

In an eventful $133,003 first division of the Simcoe, second choice EL Mikko found room on the rail in the final strides to eke out a three-quarter length win over Jetn Lindy and heavily-favored Global Glide in a time of 1:56.4. However, after an inquiry, the judges slightly altered the order of finish, elevating Global Glide to second and demoting Jetn Lindy to third for a lapped-on break at the wire.

Global Glide, who was sent off as the 1-5 favorite, made a break getting away from the gate and was forced to play catch up for most of the mile for driver Ron Pierce. EL Mikko, in the meantime, was allowed to set an easy opening quarter in :29.1 for driver Brian Sears, who gave way to John Campbell and Jetn Lindy at the half, which flashed up in a pedestrian clocking of :59.4.

Jetn Lindy took the field to the three-quarters in 1:28.4 with Global Glide trying to mount a challenge on the outside. Meanwhile, E L Mikko stayed on the rail hoping to find a hole in the late stages. He found one.

"I was trying to see what was going on back there," said Sears, about being in front before the half. "I thought something might have happened. There was definitely concern (about finding room in late stretch) but you've got to have some racing luck. Fortunately, I had some and got us a win. He's definitely on the improve."

It was the second win in six starts this year for EL Mikko, another son of Yankee Glide. Most recently, he'd finished second to Chocolatier in the World Trotting Derby at the Du Quoin State Fair Sept. 2.

Many of the Simcoe colts are expected back for next Saturday's eliminations in preparation for the $1-million Canadian Trotting Classic, to be held Sept. 23. (WEG)

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