Grand River: Elims occur for Battle of Waterloo, Battle of the Belles

Rookie pacers duked it in record time over the Grand River Raceway five-eighths-mile oval in Monday night's eliminations for the Battle of Waterloo, presented by Winbak Farm, and the Battle of the Belles.

Fifth and Five established a new track pacing record for rookies in the second C$15,000 Battle of Waterloo elimination when he stopped the clock in a sparkling 1:51 4/5 for driver Jody Jamieson and father Carl, who trains and shares ownership with 1140545 Ontario Ltd. and Trevor Edwards. The son of Bettor's Delight-Filou Fly Fast made a quarter-pole move to the lead after a 27 1/5 first quarter and then laid down middle splits of 55 2/5 and 1:23 4/5 before kicking home to win easily over Allstar Maniac, with Blue Bar finishing third and Tito N Cheddar rounding out the top four.

The combination of Carl and Jody Jamieson have teamed up to win the Battle Of Waterloo four times together. Individually, Carl has won the race six times in its 34 editions.

It was heavily-favored Stonebridge Wizard using similar tactics to capture the second Battle of Waterloo elimination for driver Doug McNair in 1:52 4/5. The son of Dancin Lou-Odds On Magic turned back a couple of stern challenges in the back-half before kicking clear of rivals late for his third victory in four tries on the season. It was Out Of Ice flying late to pick up the place spot, with Set Shot and Sterling Choice rounding out the top four.

Stonebridge Wizard is trained by Jared Bako for owner David Kryway and will give Doug McNair a chance at his sixth Battle of Waterloo title next week.

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It was the Bob McClure show in the Battle of the Belles eliminations as the veteran driver swept both splits with a pair of longshots.

In the opening C$10,000 contest, he guided 9-1 shot Manhattan Mayhem to a sparkling off-the-pace win, circling the field in the final quarter to score in 1:53 over Famous Fast Words, Millie May Hanover and Ithadtobeyou. It was a career-best clocking and second straight victory for the daughter of Bettor's Delight-Manhattan Dragon, who is trained by Shawn Steacy for owners Nancy Malik, Tony Basile and Andrew Atlas.

McClure used a slightly different approach in the second elimination, sending Perfectly Chic first-over at the half, and the daughter of Betterthancheddar-Fit N Bad wore down pace-setting Wicked N Single for a hard-earned 1:53 2/5 tally. Wicked N Single held second, with Wickedpace and Oneformybaby rounding out the top four. It was the first career win for Perfectly Chic, who is co-owned by her trainer John Pentland along with Steve Mihalic. She had finished second in three previous starts, the most recent pair coming in OSS Gold Series action.

The post position draws for both the Battle Of Waterloo and the Battle Of The Belles were held on Monday evening, with the top four finishers in each elimination and one fifth-place finisher drawn by lot advancing the finals, which will be held on Industry Day, Monday, August 5th. Both fields are listed below:

C$175,000 Battle of the Belles

1) Manhattan Mayhem
2) One For My Baby
3) Millie May Hanover
4) Perfectly Chic
5) Wicked N Single
6) Famous Fast Words
7) Wickedpace
8) Saddlebags
9) It Had To Be You
AE1) Mystic Moment
AE2) Lady Café Au Lait

C$245,000 Battle Of Waterloo

1) Sterling Choice
2) Fifth and Five
3) Set Shot
4) Tito N Cheddar
5) Stonebridge Wizard
6) Allstar Maniac
7) Blue Bar
8) Out Of Ice
9) Boyd Bay
AE1) Tip Of Time
AE2) Bunkhouse Boss

New this year, Industry Day celebrations will include, “The Button Up Preferred” for top aged pacers, a race dedicated to the memory of one of our top Industry Day performers. Button Up won the Battle of Waterloo in 2005, then went on to win the Preferred race for aged pacers in 2007, 2010 and 2012.

The wagering menu that day will consist of two pick 5s. The early Pick 5 will begin in race one with a guaranteed pool of $10,000. The super-charged late Pick 5 will have a guaranteed pool of $10,000. There will also two Pick 4s available, the early Pick 4 will have a guaranteed pool of $5,000 and the late Pick 4 will offer a guaranteed pool of $7,500. The Battle of Waterloo will offer a super hi-5 wager with a guaranteed pool of $7,500. All wagers listed above will offer a low 15% takeout.

Industry Day, now entering its 35th year, brings together harness racing fans, families, and the community to enjoy entertainment both on the track and on the apron. The NEIGHbourhood Kids Area will offer face painting, glitter tattoos, inflatable axe-throwing, and more. Food trucks will be on-site for all guests at the East Gate. Come on out and enjoy a fun, action-packed day. Post time is set for 12:30 p.m. (EDT).

--press release (Grand River)--