by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — Father Patrick, who captured the Peter Haughton Memorial earlier this year, set a new stakes, track and Canadian record of 1:54 in his C$90,531 division of the Champlain Stakes on Friday (Aug. 30) at Mohawk.

New Image Media photo

Father Patrick set a new stakes, track and Canadian record of 1:54 in his division of the Champlain Stakes.

Driven by Yannick Gingras and trained by Jimmy Takter, Father Patrick has now won five of six starts in his young career.

Gingras marched the son of Cantab Hall-Gala Dream to the front before the opening quarter in :28, before allowing Il Sogno Dream (David Miller) to the front.

Father Patrick quickly regained the lead before the midway point in :56.2 and continued to lead past three-quarters in 1:25.3, before dashing away from his rivals under a comfortable steer to win by open lengths. E L Titan (Riina Rekila) finished second with Deweykeepumnwhy (Jody Jamieson) grabbing third prize.

Father Patrick’s 1:54 effort was just two-fifths off the world record set by Muscle Hill. Owned by Father Patrick Stable, Father Patrick now has C$247,348 in lifetime earnings. He paid $2.40 to win.

Two other C$90,531 Champlain Stakes divisions took place with Pasadena Star and Harper Blue Chip finding the winner’s circle.

Hall of Fame conditioner Bob McIntosh teamed up with Randy Waples in the first divisions as Pasadena Star found the wire first in 1:57.1.

The talented son of Kadabra-Pasadena Princess came from off the speed through panels of :28.2, :58.4 and 1:28.2, before wearing down post time favorite Massacaia (Sylvain Filion) in deep stretch to score the win. O Narutac Perfetto (Billy Davis, Jr.) rallied to finish third.

Pasadena Star now has crafted a 4-0-1 record from six starts this season along with C$72,173 for McIntosh and co-owner C S X Stables. He paid $10.20 to win as the second choice.

In the second division, Harper Blue Chip defeated his eight rivals in 1:56 at odds of 3-1.

The son of Majestic Son-Winning Jonlin was quickest to the front before the opening station in :28.2, but allowed longshot Derby (Mario Baillargeon) to clear to the position of command.

Harper Blue Chip quickly regained control to lead past the midway point in :58 and the three-quarter pole 1:27.1 before dashing away from favorite Damfoolrmillionair (Randy Waples) in deep stretch to win by 3-1/4 lengths. Raise The Curtain (Paul MacDonell) finished third.

Trained and co-owned by Mark Steacy along with Landmark 6 Racing Stable, David Reid and David McDonald, Harper Blue Chip increased his bankroll to C$55,633. The young trotter now has a 2-1-0 record from five starts this season. He paid $8.10 to win.