by Greg Blanchard. WEG Media

Campbellville, ON — First Avenue, Exquisitelycrafted and Tequila Slammer all posted career debut victories in Sunday’s (July 5) trio of Robert Stewart Stakes divisions for 2-year-old filly trotters at Mohawk Racetrack.

First Avenue took command early in the first C$64,467 split for driver Jonathan Drury and then held sway from there to score in 2:00. The daughter of Ken Warkentin-Terra Cotta Glory used a :28.4 final frame to hold off a fast-closing Magic Treasure with Tommy My Girl grabbing the show spot.

First Avenue, who returned $10.30 for the win, is trained by Simon Boucher for owner Richard Nault.

New Image Media photo

Exquisitelycrafted won the fastest Robert Stewart Stakes division as she crossed the finish line in 1:59.1.

In the second split, race favorite Exquisitelycrafted made her move to command in the second quarter and then overpowered her rivals with a sharp 1:59.1 tally. The daughter of Striking Sahbra-Armbro Sylvie turned in a strong last quarter of :28.2 to easily turn back Sooner Than Later and Honest AS.

Exquisitelycrafted is a homebred who is co-owned by trainer Bob McIntosh along with the C S X Stables and Dave Boyle. She returned just $3.70 for the win.

Tequila Slammer had an easy time of things in the final division as she wired the field for driver Paul MacDonell in 2:03.1. After stealing a soft first half of 1:03.3, the daughter of Yankee Glide-Silly Senorita picked up the tempo with a :59.3 back half to defeat Gliding Fashion and Linda Lovelegs.

Tequila Slammer, a $45,000 yearling purchase at last fall’s Harrisburg Sale, is trained by John Bax for the Glengate Farms and Parkhill Stud Farm. The popular winner returned $3.40 to win.