Oh Sweet Baby Lowers Windsor Record
Oh Sweet Baby locked in a late duel with Magic Wheel, but took off down the stretch to win the lone $40,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold elimination for three-year-old trotting fillies in a new track record time of 1:55.3 on Sunday night at Windsor Raceway.
Leaving from the middle of the pack, Oh Sweet Baby and driver Mario Baillargeon established command of the 10-horse field during a :27.3 opening quarter with divisional leader Peach Martini settling into the pocket while Marys Out Cruisin was left outside.
Magic Wheel moved into the second over spot en route to the half in :58.3 and charged after the leader.
Oh Sweet Baby and Magic Wheel took off from the rest of the field in a heated battle to three-quarters in 1:27. Oh Sweet Baby rebuffed her challenger though and kicked out to a three length lead down the stretch before stopping the clock in 1:55.3. Magic Wheel held for second while reigning Gold champion and fan favourite China Pearls finished seven lengths behind in third.
The time of the mile shaved two-fifths of a second off the track record for three-year-old trotting fillies, which was originally set by Carolyn As in 2007 and then equalled by Random Destiny last year.
Oh Sweet Baby paid $6.10 to win as the 2-1 second choice. The daughter of Angus Hall-Galahads Damsel is trained by Ben Baillargeon for owner Richard Berthiaume of Pointe-Aux-Trembles, Que. Last year's Super Final champion entered the final Gold Series event of the season sitting second in the point standings having put together a record of 2-2-1 in seven OSS starts. She will be searching for her first Gold Final trophy of the season in next week's final.
Oh Sweet Baby is quickly approaching the half-million dollar mark in career earnings.
Here is a look at the field for next week's Gold Final in post position order:
1. Marys Out Cruisin
2. Peach Martini
3. China Pearls
4. Eagle Canada
5. Magic Wheel
6. Nordic De Vie
7. Oh Sweet Baby
8. Enchantment
9. Pretty Crafty
AE1. Ally Oop