by Greg Gangle – WEG Media

Toronto, ON — After scoring a 1:50.3 lifetime best in the opening round of the Youthful Series, Piston Broke proves to be the horse to beat in the rich C$50,000 final after he found the winner’s circle again in the second leg on Thursday evening at Woodbine.

Driver Sylvain Filion guided the six-time winner to a 1:54.1 score in the first of two divisions.

The son of Shark Gesture cleared to command past the opening panel of :27.2 and marched past moderate fractions of :56.4 and 1:26.1, before coasting to victory by two lengths, with a :28 final-quarter. Big Unit (Scott Zeron) came from off-the-pace to finish second with DJ Lance (Doug McNair) finishing third.

“He was under wraps tonight,” Filion said following the win. “We were lucky to get an easy middle-half and that really helped. Down the stretch, I just chirped at him and he took off and I had him shut down at the wire. I like our chances in the final next week.”

Piston Broke, a six time winner, is trained and co-owned by Rob Fellows along with Willard Sabrosky and Arpad Szabo. The black gelding increased his bankroll to $86,510 while paying $3 for the win.

After a second-place finish in last week’s opening leg, Tye Seelster scored a 10-1 upset for driver Jason Brewer in the second division.

The son of Camluck was the quickest off the wings of the gate to lead his nine rivals past the opening station in a quick :26.2.

With the post time favorite, Racing Rocky (Jody Jamieson) still on the outside, Brewer elected for the two-hole trip as Racing Rocky marched to the front to lead past the half in :55.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.1.

Turning for home, Im The Pied Piper (Scott Zeron) was stalking on the outside with a first-over attack, but Tye Seelster was enjoying a ground-saving trip and found clear racetrack in deep stretch to score a narrow victory. Im The Pied Piper finished second with Racing Rocky fading in deep stretch to finish third.

“He raced really well tonight,” trainer Ed Hayter said following the win. “He did get a great drive and had lots of speed to chase, but he finished strong for it just being his second start back. He equaled the Kawatha (Downs) track record last year, so he’s got the speed. Hopefully he continues to progress.”

Tye Seelster, a three-time winner, equaled his lifetime best as his career earnings increased to $54,420 for Hayter who trains for his father, Victor. He paid $22.90 for the win.

The C$50,000 final will take place on Saturday, April 7.