Laddie takes Gold final

Two-year-old trotting colt Laddie stormed around Mohawk Racetrack on Sunday night to claim his fifth straight victory and his first Gold final title.

In what has become their trademark style, fan favorites Laddie and driver Paul MacDonell eased away from post six into seventh spot in the 10-horse field while Think Gold and Chelemark Porter battled to a :27.4 opening quarter. With Chelemark Porter at the helm the colts rolled through a :56.4 half and it was not until they were en route to the 1:26.4 three-quarters that MacDonell moved his charge off the rail.

Spinning out around Beer Budget and Libra Vita, Laddie was three wide heading into the final turn and had established a half length lead by the time he turned for home. His impressive finishing kick propelled the Angus Hall son down the lane to a two-length victory in a smart 1:56.4, lowering his personal best by almost two seconds.

Lightly-raced Beer Budget, owned by trainer Chris Beaver and Johanna Beaver, stayed game for second while Libra Vita finished two more lengths back in third.

Paula Wellwood trains Laddie for Wellwood Stables Inc. of Cambridge, who acquired the colt for $50,000 from last fall’s Harrisburg yearling sale. Through seven starts the talented young trotter has recorded five wins and earned $415,718(C).

While slow to get started, he made breaks in his first two outings, Laddie has been flawless since the Aug. 3 Champlain Stakes where he posted a 1:59.3 victory. Following the Champlain he captured his elimination and the final of the $525,200 William Wellwood Memorial Trot, named in honor of Paula Wellwood’s father, and last weekend’s Gold Elimination.

Sunday’s win also boosted Laddie’s Gold Series point tally to 105, earning him a berth in the $300,000 Super Final at Woodbine Racetrack on Oct. 14. (OSS)

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