Ontario-sired three-year-old pacing fillies faced off in two Kin Pace eliminations on Sunday afternoon at Clinton Raceway.
Trainer Nick Galucci swept both $7,500 eliminations with heavy favourites Velvet Stinger and Raptors Won securing favorable post draws in the $50,500 final.
The first of two eliminations saw Velvet Stinger, daughter of the great Bettors Delight, make the early lead before longshot Ribbon Ridge took over command before the quarter. The lead was short lived as driver James MacDonald called on Velvet Stinger to retake the lead at the quarter pole. MacDonald cruised through the halfway point in just 1:00.0 while bracing for first over attacker Warrawee Xpat.
The sprint was on when they turned for home as Warrawee Xpat and driver Brett MacDonald poked a neck in front before Velvet Stinger fought back on the inside to secure the elimination win in 1:58.1. Joining Velvet Stinger and Warrawee Xpat in the final was Ribbon Ridge and Watch Her Fly from the first elimination.
Velvet Stinger found the winner’s circle for the fourth time in ten lifetime starts, and looks to add to her $47,917 bankroll in the $50,500 Kin Pace Final.
In Race 9, the final elimination for the rich Kin Pace Final, driver James MacDonald got away third with the other Gallucci trainee Raptors Won before making the quick move to the lead at the quarter pole. MacDonald was not taking any chances and utilized the daughter of Big Jim’s top speed to gain separation heading to the three quarter mile mark.
Raptors Won stopped the clock in 1:56.0.
A late closing Creme Delight secured a second place finish, while Lyons Princess and Sexy Playmate completed the top four and earned spots in next Sunday’s final.
After going unraced as a 2-year old, Raptors Won has made up for lost time by winning three of seven starts this season and earning over $32,000.
The field and post positions for the $50,500 Kin Pace Final on Sunday, July 3: 1 Creme Delight 2 Raptors Won 3 Warrawee Xpat 4 Lyons Princess 5 Velvet Stinger 6 Watch Her Fly 7 Ribbon Ridge 8 Sexy Playmate AE1 Power Of An Angel AE2 Lyons Believer
Clinton Raceway will also play host to Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions for 2-year old colts and gelding trotters.
Racing action will get underway at 1:30 p.m. For more details on Kin Pace Final day visit https://clintonraceway.com.