by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — Rookie trotting fillies took their turn Tuesday (Oct. 11) for round one action of the Ontario Sired Autumn Series at Mohawk Racetrack. A group of 12 2-year-old trotting fillies were split into two $12,160 opening leg divisions.

Powerful Mission lived up to her name by scoring a dominating 4-3/4 length victory in the first division for driver Phil Hudon and trainer Kevin St. Charles.

New Image Media photo

Powerful Mission scored in a career best 1:57.1.

The daughter of Manofmanymissions got away fourth and came first up in the middle half. Powerful Mission pulled right up alongside Jilona on the far turn and the rookies slugged it toe-to-toe by the three-quarter pole in 1:28.1.

In the stretch, Powerful Mission quickly pulled away from her rival and ultimately scored an open lengths victory in a career best 1:57.1. Jilona finished second, while You Cant Afford Me was third.

Powerful Mission now has three wins in nine starts and $23,989 earned in her rookie season. She is owned by E C S Racing LLC. The St. Charles trainee paid $4.90 to win.

Lady Eagle took the second division in 2:00.1 for driver Sylvain Filion and trainer Rob Fellows. The daughter of Muscle Mass was one of three fillies to remain trotting the entire mile and Filion took his time before unleashing the filly.

Lady Eagle got away third and made a move towards the lead on the far turn to pull to within a neck of the front at the three-quarter pole in 1:31.2.

In the stretch, Lady Eagle powered by to take a clear lead and pull away for a 3-1/4 length score. Princess Julieann finished second, while Gaelic Lass was third.

Lady Eagle was making her Mohawk and Fellows barn debut Tuesday after beginning her career in Iowa. She now has three wins in six starts and earnings of $11,855 for owners Mark King and Caroll Huffman. Lady Eagle paid $5.70 to win.

In order to be eligible to the Autumn Series, the Ontario sired 2-year-old trotting fillies had to be non-winners of C$30,000 as of Sept. 30. The rookie trotting fillies will return for the second leg of the series next Tuesday (Oct. 18).