by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — Claudius Augustus, a California invader who had won four straight races to start the season on the west coast, was an impressive winner in his Mohawk debut on Thursday night for Mario Baillargeon in 1:57.

The Angus Hall colt was unraced last season at age 2, but has burst onto the scene this season, reeling off four consecutive wins at Cal-Expo Raceway before shipping northeast to Ontario.

In Thursday night’s contest, the colt had little problem overcoming post 10 and idled to the front through a first quarter of :28 seconds. With no one challenging in the second or third quarters, Claudius Augustus stole a middle half in 1:00.3. That was more than enough as he trotted home in :28.2 for the measured win over Son Of Paige.

“Gary (Gary Budahn — part of the Gusty Stable who owns) told me that this is one of the best horses he’s had,” said an obviously impressed Baillargeon from the Mohawk winner’s circle. “I never pulled the plugs. It was just like a training mile for him. I wasn’t sure about Trevor’s (Ritchie) colt (Son Of Paige) and I was just trying to make sure I kept him in there, but my guy didn’t even break a sweat.”

Claudius Augustus is out of the top mare Claude’s Last Lady, who won two legs of the Classic Oaks back in 2000. She retired from racing with 36 career wins and more than $277,000 in earnings.

Patty Harris trains Claudius Augustus, who has made his way to Ontario to compete this summer in the lucrative Ontario Sires Stakes program. From what he saw Thursday night, Baillargeon has no doubts about where he will fit.

“He is Gold material, that’s for sure,” said Baillargeon. “He has great manners for an Angus Hall and is very easy to drive. Flirtin Man looks awfully tough right now, but I think this colt could make some noise this summer.”

Another face fans can expect to see plenty of in the OSS this summer is Windsun Ben. The strapping son of Apaches Fame stepped to his second straight win at Mohawk on Thursday night for driver Steve Condren in a lifetime best clocking of 1:51. His final quarter was an effortless-looking :26.2.

The Bob Young trainee is closing in on $100,000 in career earnings.

Fans are reminded of the big weekend of action in store at Mohawk. Friday night’s 13-race program features three C$75,000 divisions of the Casual Breeze for 3-year-old filly trotters. On Saturday, a trio of C$100,000 Burlington divisions for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers heads another busy 13-race card. Post time both nights is at 7:20 p.m.