Favorites rule in Autumn Stake elims at Woodbine
November 24, 2009,by Greg Blanchard, WEG media
Toronto, ON — Heavy favorites Lexis Amigo and Swordfish each posted dominant victories in their respective Autumn Stake eliminations for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters on Monday night (Nov. 23) at Woodbine Racetrack.
Both trotters used front-end tactics, including Lexis Amigo, who marched straight to the front from post three in the first split for driver Mike Saftic and easily tallied by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:56. The gelded son of Amigo Hall-Lexus Hall used a sharp :28.1 final quarter to dispose of J Cs Magic Man and Mac Lennan.
It was the fourth win in 13 starts this season for Lexis Amigo who increased his seasonal earnings to $55,574 for owner-trainer Norm Dunstan. He returned just $2.40 for the win.
Swordfish made the front easily from post two in the second elimination for driver Luc Ouellette and wired the field by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:56.1. The gelded son of Kadabra-Lady Wrestler turned back Delcrest Sonny and Mr Snoops while kicking back a paltry $3.70 to win.
It was the second win in just seven career starts for Swordfish who is owned and trained by Phil Leclerc. The lion’s share of the purse boosted his bankroll to $30,521.
The C$50,000 Autumn Stake Final will go postward next Monday night (Nov. 30) at Woodbine.