by Greg Blanchard, WEG media

Toronto, ON — Willie’s Place took advantage of a perfect two-hole trip to capture the C$60,000 Youthful Pacing Series Final for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers during a cool, blustery Friday night (April 9) at Woodbine Racetrack.

New Image Media photo

Willie’s Place held off Ashton Seelster to win the Youthful Pacing Series Final.

Luc Ouellette had the option of driving both Willie’s Place and Lil Bit Lil Bit entering the final and opted for the former who had drawn post five in the field of 10. The veteran reinsman called on the colt’s early speed to land the coveted pocket position behind Ashton Seelster in the :27.1 opening quarter.

The top pair remained uncontested through a :55.3 opening half with Legal Justice, who was hoping for a series sweep, keeping close tabs in the third spot. Lil Bit Lil Bit made a first-over attempt at the lead in the third quarter but stalled on the outside, allowing Ashton Seelster to put up the three-quarters in an uncontested 1:23.2.

As the field turned for home, Willie’s Place had plenty of room to come to the outside and Ouellette brought him wide to challenge the pacesetter with Legal Justice slipping out on his back in third. It took the entire length of the stretch before Willie’s Place finally got the upper hand by a head in 1:53.1. Ashton Seelster was a valiant second with Legal Justice leveling off late to finish third. The winner returned a generous $12.30.

“I was happy to be able to follow Randy (Waples) because I thought he (Ashton Seelster) was the horse to beat,” said Ouellette. “My horse is funny — he’s a bit lazy. It didn’t matter how fast they went, he was going to go there, but it’s just a matter of getting his mind on things.

“I probably lost a pound in the stretch. He’s the type of horse you have to keep working on. He won’t do any more than he has to.

“One of these days, this horse will break free and beat some good horses. There’s definitely room for improvement. He has a beautiful gait and he’s got the pedigree. He’s the type of horse you could see in a race like the Meadowlands Pace.”

Willie’s Place is eligible to the C$1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup which comes up at Mohawk Racetrack on June 26. The son of Artsplace-Up Front Norma has now won three of seven starts and just over C$66,000 this season for trainer Kris De Cenzo and owner Antonio Chiaravalle.