by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — The tag-team of McNair and Reid were unstoppable in Thursday’s (April 21) second round of the Celias Counsel Trotting Series at Mohawk Racetrack.

A group of 20 sophomore trotting fillies were split into two 10-horse $12,640 divisions for the second leg of the three-week series. Driver Doug McNair and trainer Paul Reid teamed up to sweep both divisions with a pair of Bob Key homebreds.

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Treasure Gifts K lit up the toteboard at nearly 40-1 odds.

Hills Angel was looking for a repeat of her first leg win in the night’s first division, but longshot Treasure Gifts K had different plans. Driven by McNair, Treasure Gifts K hustled off the wings of the gate to get away second at odds of nearly 40-1. Miami Magic posted an opening quarter of :28.4, but surrendered the lead in the second quarter to Treasure Gifts K. Hills Angel, the 3-2 favorite, trotted along fourth and 10 lengths off the lead at the midway point.

Treasure Gifts K posted fractions of :58.1 and 1:27.1 to lead the field turning for home, while Hills Angel was six lengths back in third. In the stretch, Miami Magic and Hills Angel did their best to track down the leader, but Treasure Gifts K brought her ‘A’ game and scored a maiden-breaking victory by two lengths in 1:56.3.

A daughter of Deweycheatumnhowe, Treasure Gifts K is trained by Reid for owner Key. The sophomore trotting filly finished seventh in last week’s first leg and was winless in three starts this year entering Thursday’s contest. Treasure Gifts K was making her 20th career start Thursday and pushed her career earnings to $25,927 with the victory. She paid $81.70 to win.

First leg winners Windsong Magic and Wanaka headlined the second division, but just like Hills Angel, their winning momentum came to a stop thanks to McNair and Reid.

Flowers N Songs left from post 10 for McNair and found an early seat in seventh, while Wanaka found the front to post an opening quarter of :28. Windsong Magic came charging up from fourth as the tempo slowed down and took the lead at the half in :59.3.

Outside flow developed entering the final turn and McNair was able to place Flowers N Magic second-over. Windsong Magic posted a three-quarter time of 1:29.3 and led the field into the lane. In the stretch, Wanaka was trapped in behind Windsong Magic and unable to find clear racing room. Flowers N Songs was able to come off cover and surge to the lead in deep stretch for a 1-1/2 length victory in 1:57.4. Windsong Magic held on for second, while Wanaka split through late to grab third.

Another daughter of Deweycheatumnhowe, Flowers N Songs picked up her fifth win of the season Thursday for owner/breeder Key. The sophomore trotting filly has finished either first or second in eight starts this season. Unraced as a 2-year-old, Flowers N Songs has banked $43,490 this season. She paid $12.10 to win.

In order to be eligible to the Celias Counsel, the 3-year-old trotting fillies had to be non-winners of C$30,000 in 2015. The Celias Counsel will wrap up next Thursday with the C$33,200 final. The top 10 earners from the preliminary legs to enter will compete in the final.

Live racing continues Friday night at Mohawk Racetrack. Post time is 7:30 p.m.