by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — A budding superstar, Windsong Espoir turned in another devastating performance in capturing one of two C$51,649 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold eliminations for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters on Sunday night (September 23) at Mohawk Racetrack.

The son of Kadabra delivered as the overwhelming favorite in the first split for Steve Condren while Sergeant York pulled off a 20-1 upset in the second elimination for Keith Oliver. Both colts were clocked in identical win times of 1:56.2.

In his elim, Windsong Espoir took command just before the half in :58 seconds and then cruised to an effortless 4-3/4 length tally over Pizzazzed and a fast-closing Shoeless White Sox.

The son of Kadabra-Diamond Image, trained by Brad Maxwell, improved his seasonal record to five wins in six starts for owners Peter Heffering, Jerry Vanboekel, William Loyens and the Hope Stable of Ontario. This year’s Wellwood Memorial champion increased his bankroll to $366,606.

Sergeant York sat third throughout much of the second elimination before tipping out on the final turn. The son of Duke Of York-PJ Naomi was able to wear down race favorite B Strike Three and edge past by a nose at the finish. It was another 2-1/2 lengths back to Keystone Titan who finished third.

The victory was the third straight for the Larry Walker trainee who was coming off a sweep of the Balanced Image at Hanover. He now has four wins in 10 starts and $111,641 earned for owners Tony Holmes and Walter Zent of Lexington, Ky.

The C$130,000 Gold Final goes next Sunday night at Mohawk. Here is a look at the field in its entirety:

1. Andiron Springs
2. B Strike Three
3. O U Gus
4. Keystone Titan
5. Nesta
6. Pizzazzed
7. Windsong Espoir
8. Shoeless White Sox
9. Define The World
10. Sergeant York
AE1. Northern Zephyr