by Jeff Renton, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — Southwind Rio sizzled her way into the Mohawk Racetrack record books on Friday night (September 8) thanks to her 1:51.4 score in the first of two divisions of the Champlain Stakes for two-year-old filly pacers.

It was the second consecutive stakes win for Southwind Rio (Artsplace–The Real West), who took home the lion’s share of last Saturday’s C$50,000 She’s A Great Lady Stake consolation at Mohawk.

Southwind Rio was a 1:51.4 winner for Mark MacDonald.

Mark MacDonald, who engineered last week’s winning effort, sent the Bill Elliott-trainee through panels of :27.1, :55.3 and 1:24 in this assignment before sprinting home in :27.4 to take home the lion’s share of the C$152,500 purse. Western Montana (John Campbell) pressed the pace from first-over en route to finishing second while Checkouttheview (Jody Jamieson), who enjoyed the pocket trip, had to settle for third.

“She was exceptional in her last start,” said driver Mark MacDonald. “She raced almost as good tonight as she did last week. She was the only horse to make the lead in the second quarter last week that held on to win. There’s lots of money still out there for her — she’s got a promising career ahead of her.”

The victory improved the filly’s freshman record to 3-0-4 in nine starts and it boosted her bankroll to C$151,510 for owner Tony Chiaravalle of Hamilton, who shelled out C$52,000 to purchase the filly at last year’s Forest City Yearling Sale.

It was smooth sailing from start to finish for Southwind Rio, but that hasn’t always been the case for the filly.

“She’s battled some sickness and allergies,” said trainer Bill Elliott. “She had broken equipment in the She’s A Great Lady elimination. She was very good tonight.”

Southwind Rio ($4.40, $2.90, $2.40) and Western Montana ($4.00, $2.90) made up the $16.10 exactor. Checkouttheview ($3.20) rounded out the top three and completed the $51.60 triactor.

Michelle’s Power (Camluck–Michelle’s Jackpot) rebounded from a disappointing seventh place finish in last Saturday’s C$754,500 She’s A Great Lady final to win her C$154,500 Champlain Stakes division in a career-best clocking of 1:52.2 for driver Brian Sears.

WEG Photos

Michelle’s Power edged Lady Mattgalane in 1:52.2 in their Champlain Stakes division.

Sears was allowed to race his filly from off the pace while Lady Mattgalane and Trim Hanover took turns on the lead. Lady Mattgalane (Ron Pierce) had the field at the quarter in :27.2 before being looped in the second quarter by Trim Hanover (John Campbell), who sped the field to the half in :55.2.

Lady Mattgalane was quick to retake control for Pierce, who had Sears and Michelle’s Power turning up the pressure at the three-quarter pole in 1:23.4. Michelle’s Power used a :28.1 final quarter kick to propel her way to the three-quarter length score over heavily favored Lady Mattgalane (second). Trim Hanover (third), who was a length in arrears, rounded out the top three.

“There was some movement up front,” said driver Brian Sears. “I never had to use my filly until coming out of the final turn. She was pretty wound up last week in the She’s A Great Lady final — that’s why she made the break. They made a bridle change tonight (open to kant-see-back ) and she was much better.”

The victory improved Michelle’s Power’s rookie record to 4-3-4 in 14 starts and it lifted her earnings to C$238,649 for owner/breeder Jeffrey Snyder of New York, N.Y. and trainer Bill Elliott.

Michelle’s Power ($12.20, $3.80, $2.60) and Lady Mattgalane ($2.40, $2.10) combined for an exactor worth $30.50 and Trim Hanover ($2.70) rounded out the triactor, which paid $83.30.