Stonebridge ices foes in sloppy Ontario Boys final

A short field of six put on a good battle in Monday night's $59,700(C) Ontario Boys Pacing Series final at Woodbine and, when all was said and done, it was Stonebridge On Ice emerging victorious as the favorite for driver Mike Saftic in 1:52.3.

The race was contested over an oval made "sloppy" by unseasonably warm temperatures throughout the day and then rainfall which began early in the evening.

Despite the off conditions, Mr. Saratoga, Eagle On It and Just The Begrining battled through a hot first quarter of :27.4. Eagle On It brushed out of third and took over command from Mr. Saratoga just before the :55.2 opening half mile.

In the meantime, Stonebridge On Ice, who had gotten away last in the field, was on the move and had made it up to third heading into the final turn. At that point, Jody Jamieson tipped Mr. Saratoga out from the pocket and took their shot at the lead past three-quarters in 1:23.2.

Turning for home, Mr. Saratoga brushed to the lead with Stonebridge On Ice hot on his heels. It wasn't until the tote board when Stonebridge On Ice finally overhauled Mr. Saratoga for the win. Eagle On It found his second win late and held on well for third.

The victory was the sixth in seven starts this year for the gelded son of Camluck-Glacier Express and boosted his career earnings to more than $100,000 for trainer Gregg McNair who co-owns along with Leonard Gamble and driver Mike Saftic. (WEG)

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