by Greg Gangle – WEG Media

Toronto, ON — After finding the winner’s circle in both preliminary rounds of the Don Mills Series, Burnin Money completed the series sweep in a stakes record time of 1:52.4.

New Image Media photo

Burnin Money swept the Don Mills Series in a stakes record 1:52.4.

Driven by Jonathan Drury, the 15-time winner also set a new lifetime best in the process for trainer Carmen Auciello and owners Wheelhouse Racing Stable.

Guiltywithanexcuse (Paul MacDonell) fired to the front quickly from post eight to lead the field of 10 past the opening quarter in :27.1. Holy Halibut (Sylvain Filion) was in the pocket with Duke Of Donegal (Chris Christoforou) sitting third.

As Guiltywithanexcuse made his way past the half in :27.1, Nowucit Nowudont (Scott Zeron) began the first-over attack, providing live, second-over cover for Burnin Money.

Nowucit Nowudont towed Burnin Money into perfect position as he matched strides with Guiltywithanexcuse past three-quarters in 1:24.4.

Down the stretch, Nowucit Nowudont took over command but Drury fed his charge open racetrack and the son of Cash Hall powered past Nowucit Nowudont en route to victory. Holy Halibut finished third.

“The trip couldn’t have worked out any better,” Drury said following the win. “I was following Scotty (driving Nowucit Nowudont) and he took me to the top of the stretch and my horse did the rest. I had a big hold on him around the final turn and I felt pretty optimistic we’d get the job done.”

With the win, Burnin Money increased his bankroll to C$190,136 as he took the lion’s share of the C$44,000 purse. The 5-year-old gelding has crafted an impressive 7-1-3 record from 13 starts this season.

Stakes record for One More Ginny in Lifetime Dream Final

One More Ginny captured the C$43,000 Lifetime Dream final with a stakes record performance at Woodbine on Saturday evening for the Baillargeon brothers.

With Mario Baillargeon driving and Ben Baillargeon training, One More Ginny didn’t disappoint the betting public as she delivered as the 7-5 favorite in a time of 1:54.1.

It was a cavalry charge heading towards the first turn with One More Ginny, Sheer Glide (Rick Zeron) and Kendra Hanover (Simon Allard) all looking for command before the first quarter in :27.1.

One More Ginny allowed Sheer Glide to take top spot as Kendra Hanover wrestled back into third position. Baillargeon and One More Ginny didn’t sit long as they were on the move and marched to the front past the half in: 56.3.

From there, One More Ginny continued to lead her nine rivals past three-quarters in 1:26, while coming under pressure around the final turn by Majestic Taglet (Mike Saftic).

Turning for home, Baillargeon asked his charge for more trot and the seven-time winner responded as she opened up on her rivals en route to a comfortable 3-1/4 length score. Pocket sitter Sheer Glide stayed for second over Onthemoneyside (Sylvain Filion), who came from off-the-pace to finish third.

“I knew she would be tough to beat tonight,” Baillargeon said following the win. “There’s just no end to her. For a 4-year-old, she’s very lightly raced and she has a great size, gait and manners. I wouldn’t be surprised if she trots in (1):52 this summer at Mohawk. She’s definitely a Grand Circuit mare and both Ben and I are expecting big things from her.”

One More Ginny, who holds the Woodbine track record for sophomore trotting fillies, increased her career bankroll to C$194,058 for Kor Stable Limited.

“That was a big statement when she set the track record,” Baillargeon said. “It was in November and she beat older horses that night. She’s probably the best trotting mare I’ve ever sat behind.”

After capturing the victory in her first start of the season last week in the second leg of the series, One More Ginny now remains a perfect two-for-two to start her 4-year-old season.

She paid $4.80 to win.