Woodbine Mohawk Park: Century Lucifer breathes fire in OSS Gold Series

Century Lucifer cut the fractions and held off challengers in the stretch to win Monday night's C$140,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series test for rookie pacing colts and geldings at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Driven by Tyler Borth, Century Lucifer, who also won in Gold Series action at Woodbine Mohawk Park on July 5, left from post five and forced fellow early speedster Fifth And Five (Phil Hudon) to drop into the pocket before the 27 2/5 opening quarter. Century Lucifer was then able to get to the half in 57 seconds and the three-quarters in 1:25 3/5 as Stonebridge Wizard (Doug McNair), the even-money favorite, made first-over progress after pulling out of third.

In the stretch Century Lucifer was fully locked in a battle with Stonebridge Wizard, who was also coming in off a Gold Series victory, but when confronted and then overtaken a bit by Stonebridge Wizard, Century Lucifer was resolute and up to the task, coming back by Stonebridge Wizard to get the victory a head in 1:53 1/5. Sterling Choice (James MacDonald) tracked Stonebridge Wizard's cover and made steady gains in the lane to end up third. Fifth And Five never had room in the stretch and was an unlucky fourth.

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"I thought I was beat. Not that I think my horse was tired, I just think he kind of waits on them on the front," said Borth. "He wears a blind bridle, and when he could see Doug's horse in front of him, I could feel him kick back into gear. Then I thought we had a shot."

A Shadow Play colt bred by Century Spring Farms, Century Lucifer is trained by Rene Dion for owners S&r Racing Stable Inc., Marc Trudeau, Sms Ventures Inc, and M & L Of Delaware LLC. Century Lucifer, a C$25,000 purchase at last year's London Classic Yearling Sale, has two wins and a third in three outings, has banked C$119,420 and paid $14.70 to win as the 6-1 third choice.