Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Casual Breeze Stakes Contested Friday

June 1, 2007

Mohawk Racetrack showcased three-year-old filly trotters Friday night in three $75,000 divisions of the Casual Breeze Stakes with Michelles Angel establishing a new stakes record.

With Paul MacDonell doing the driving, Michelles Angel surged off cover late in the first division to mow down the heavily favoured Pampered Princess who was making her first start of the season. The clocking of 1:54 lowered the previous stakes record of 1:55.1 set last year by Buck I St Pat. It was the first win in just the second start this season for Michelles Angel who is trained by Richard 'Nifty' Norman for the Diamond Creek Farm Llc of Paris, Ky.

"I honestly thought we were too far out of it turning for home," said MacDonell afterwards. "She hit her best stride halfway down the stretch and that's when I started thinking we might have a shot to win."

The victory boosts Michelles Angel's career bankroll to just over $280,000.

Maple Sugar overcame the trailing Post 11 in the second division for driver Trevor Ritchie to score in 1:56.3. It was an adventurous trip as several horses made breaks during the race, but Ritchie was able to keep his filly on stride and out of traffic trouble.

"As it turned out, I was sitting pretty far back and may have needed a little luck to win," admitted Ritchie. "Horses were running left, right and center, but my filly minded her manners and ended up with a perfect trip. She was flat out flying late in her last start so I knew if I was within range tonight, she'd have a shot."

It was the first win in two tries this season for the daughter of Malabar Maple - Strategic Victory. The stakes win increased her career bankroll to more than $110,000 for the Enviro Stables Ltd., Canamerica Capital Corp. and trainer Susie Kerwood.

Vulcanize also had lady luck on her side in the final division as she took advantage of a late break in stride by pacesetting Sing Me To Sleep to rally for John Campbell in 1:55.3. It was the first win in four career tries for the daughter of Muscles Yankee - My Starchip who is trained by Bob McIntosh for the Lothlorien Equestrian Centre of Mississauga, On.

"She raced really well tonight, I was very impressed," reported Campbell. "I was a bit conservative with her and just eased her off the gait. She was strong and comfortable the whole way and we had some good fortune to win."

It was the first trip to the winner's circle in Canada for Campbell since breaking his leg in a devastating accident during last fall's Breeders Crown Eliminations at Woodbine. He said afterwards that he is happy to be back in the bike. "The leg has healed well," he said.

"Everything on the inside is good. There's still some stiffness but it's getting better all the time." The Casual Breeze is the last local prep for the Elegantimage Stakes with eliminations scheduled for next weekend at Mohawk and the $560,000 (Est.) final slated for Pepsi North America Cup night on June 16.

$75,000 Casual Breeze ElimMohawk Raceway, Race Three Friday, June 1, 2007
PP Horse                          Driver
4 Michelles Angel                P Macdonell
7 Pampered Princess           J Campbell
1 Cc Snickers                     J Moiseyev
2 Celebrity Feeling              M Baillargeon
9 J M Aggie                       C Jamieson
5 Miss Color Chip                S Condren
6 Godiva Hall                      T Ritchie
8 Tymal Timeout                W Henry
3 Maple Missy                     Ra Waples
10 Likely Volo                     C Christoforou
27.1      56.2      1:25.3      1:54

$75,000 Casual Breeze Elim Mohawk Raceway, Race Five Friday, June 1, 2007
PP Horse                             Driver
11 Maple Sugar                     T Ritchie
9 Up Front Laura                    J Moiseyev
2 Constance Hall                   S Condren
8 Jayportcashforlife               Ph Hudon
3 Delcrestclassyhall                Ma Megens
1 Southwind Serena                P Henriksen
5 Duchess Of York                  C Jamieson
6 Assani                                M Baillargeon
10 Zing                                  P Macdonell
4 Those Blue Eyes                   J Campbell
7 Paris Oaks                           B Forward
:28      :56.4      1:27.1      1:56.3