by Greg Blanchard, WEG media

Campbellville, ON — Both favorites emerged victorious in their respective Ontario Sires Stakes Gold eliminations for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers over a track rated “good” on Saturday night (July 31) at Mohawk Racetrack.

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Big Bay Point scored in a sparkling time of 1:50 over a “good” track.

Big Bay Point ran his current unbeaten streak to three with another front-end victory in the first C$40,000 split for driver Doug McNair. The strapping son of Camluck–Great Memories took over command just past the opening marker in :26.3 and then laid down splits of :54.4 and 1:22.1 while taking a 1-1/2 length lead into the stretch.

As the field turned for home, pocket-sitter Keystone Raptor tipped wide and pressed the leader who began to drift across the racetrack. Big Bay Point was able to fend off the challenge and then survived a judges’ inquiry into the stretch drive to deliver as the prohibitive top choice in the wagering.

Big Bay Point stopped the clock in a sparkling 1:50 to record his sixth win in the last seven outings for trainer David Menary and owners Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. He kicked back $3.00 to win while bumping his seasonal earnings to just over C$194,000.

Mach Dreamer used an off-the-pace approach to tally in the second elimination for driver Rick Zeron. The son of Mach Three–Boy Meets Girl sat in fifth position in the early stages and watched as B P Chimo, Adrenaline and Stonebridge Tonic exchanged leads through an opening half in :55.2.

Zeron tipped his charge to the outside just past the half and the pair was able to catch the cover of B P Chimo who pulled the pocket just before the third panel in 1:23.1. As the field turned for home, the front enders began to tire and it was Mach Dreamer eventually edging to the front in the late stages.

Mach Dreamer held off a fast-closing Twin B Warrior with Dalhousie Dave rallying to pick up the show spot. The final time of 1:50.4 was a lifetime best for the Murray Brethour trainee who is owned by Stephen Scarff.

The winner kicked back a popular $4.20 while improving his seasonal bankroll to just over C$118,000.

The C$130,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Final will go postward next Saturday night (August 7) at Mohawk. Here is a look at the field in post position order: 1. Mach Dreamer; 2. Big Bay Point; 3. Future Million; 4. Windsong Gorgeous; 5. B P Chimo; 6. Adrenaline; 7. Twin B Warrior; 8. Dalhousie Dave; 9. Keystone Raptor; and 10. Red Bugler.