Elora, ON — Ontario-sired 2-year-olds put on a tremendous showcase of speed in Monday’s (July 26) eliminations for Grand River Raceway’s signature events, The Battle Of Waterloo and Battle Of The Belles.

Battle Of The Belles

Love That Smile, a 2-year-old daughter of Sportswriter-Smileallthewayhome, returned to her maiden breaking track to dominate the first Battle Of The Belles. This 1:54.2 score, not only shaved more than six seconds off her lifetime best, it also tied the Grand River Raceway track record for 2-year-old filly pacers.

Driver Louis-Philippe Roy committed to a first up move just before the half and moved alongside race leader Cheryls Shadow and the battle raged on down the backstretch before Love That Smile was able to clear around the final turn, before stepping away from the field in track record tying fashion. Rounding out the top four was Cheryls Shadow, Marykeeponburnin and Rhone Hanover, all advancing to next week’s final.

The filly is trained by Rene Bourassa and will benefit from post position one in the rich final.

Replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymm2NXwHLWw

In the second and final elimination, half-mile hardball was the game plan on driver Jody Jamieson’s mind as he left off the gate with Warrawee Xpat, reaching the quarter in :27.4.

Warrawee Xpat (Sportswriter-Greenwich Girl) kept challengers at bay through middle splits of :58.1 and 1:27.2, before kicking home in :28.2 for a mile time of 1:55.4. Riding the pocket trip to a second place finish and a spot in next week’s final was Speak Your Mind, followed by Big Bettor Hanover and Dewitt For Josie.

This elimination win lands Warrawee Xpat post position three for the 2021 Battle Of The Belles Final and driver Jody Jamieson will look to add to his Industry day trophy case.

Replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrH0V9nWJso

The C$145,060 Battle Of The Belles Final field is as follows: Love That Smile, Big Bettor Hanover, Warrawee Xpat, Speak Your Mind, Cheryls Shadow, Stonebridge Thalia, Dewitt For Josie, Rhone Hanover and Marykeeponburnin.

Battle Of Waterloo

Erinwood Yves delivered as post time favorite for driver Jody Jamieson and Gabriella Sasso to secure his spot in the Battle Of Waterloo final on Industry Day.

The State Treasurer-Zayra Bayama colt floated out off the gate before settling into the pocket trip behind Century Inspector. Jamieson remained patient through fractions of :27.4, :57.1, and 1:26.3 before finding the passing lane and utilized a last quarter kick of :28.1 to reach up in the final strides to win by a head in 1:55.1. Finishing a close second was Century Inspector followed by Ron, Sports Box and Nassau Hanover.

Erinwood Yves will enjoy post position three in the final, but fellow elimination competitor Century Inspector will line up in post position one.

Replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5FfcNqFxRI

The second and final elimination was captured by Betterthancheddar-Whosluckierthanme gelding Betterhavemymoney, who has yet to taste defeat in his young career.

The Nick Gallucci trainee found the lead off the gate before releasing Twin B Raptor for a give and go move. After a second quarter breather, driver James MacDonald rolled Betterhavemymoney to three-quarters in 1:26.1 before kicking home in :28.1 to win by 4-1/2 expanding lengths in a mile time of 1:54.2.

The undefeated gelding will look to extend his streak into next week’s rich final from post position five.

Race replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNutz2rUFfA

The C$251,050 Battle Of Waterloo Final field is as follows: Century Inspector, Sports Box, Erinwood Yves, Stone Carver, Betterhavemymoney, Ron, Stews Watching, Nassau Hanover and Twin B Raptor.

Industry Day is held annually at Grand River Raceway in celebration of the harness racing industry. The event takes place on the holiday Monday in August each year and boasts an incredible line up of racing action, including the C$251,050 Battle Of Waterloo and C$145,060 Battle Of The Belles. With a post time of 12:30 p.m. (EDT), guests can expect an afternoon packed with racing entertainment. For more information regarding industry day please visit: www.grandriverraceway.com.