Grand River: Paquet, Willowtime impress in OSS Gold Series

Making just his second career start, Paquet rallied from seventh to win his C$95,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series division for 3-year-old male trotters at Grand River Raceway in 1:54, the fastest mile trotted by a sophomore over the new five-eighths-mile configuration at that track. Willowtime, in stark contrast, led all the way to win the other section.

Paquet got away slowly for driver Jody Jamieson and then was bothered by a breaking Soar Higher (Brett MacDonald) past the start to boot. Paquet got some fractions to chase, though, as Myretirementdream (Scott Young) gave a parking ticket to Masstercraft (Trevor Henry) through panels of 26 4/5, 55 2/5 and 1:24 3/5.

After lingering back throughout, Jamieson put his horse into motion three-wide past three-quarters, and Paquet made up a ton of ground around the final turn to put himself into contention turning for home. Through the stretch, Paquet put away Northern Looker (Chris Christoforou) and Myretirementdream and then pulled away to prevail by two lengths over Northern Looker, while Myretirementdream tired to third.

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Trainer Carl Jamieson also co-owns Paquet, a Muscle Mass colt bred by Seelster Farms, with the Estate of Brian Paquet, 1140545 Ontario Ltd. and Douglas Good. Paquet is two-for-two in his brief career, has banked C$56,000 and paid $5.60 to win as the second choice.

Willowtime (Bob McClure) was the leader at the 27 second quarter, 57 1/5 half and 1:25 2/5 three-quarters in his tilt, and after opening up a big advantage as they raced through the backstretch for the final time, Willowtime cruised in for a 3 1/2 length tally in 1:55 2/5. Captain Wania (Henry) lost touch with the winner from the pocket but did manage to hold second from Fabulous Freddie (Christoforou).

Terry Devos bred and co-owns Willowtime, a colt by Lookslikeachpndale, with trainer Mark Etsell and Peter Porter. Willowtime has a summary of 5-2-4 from 14 efforts, has put away C$469,147 and returned $7.10 to win.