Woodbine Mohawk Park: Goudawon is the big cheese in OSS Gold Series

Goudawon pulled off a stunning last-to-first upset victory in Friday evening's $157,200 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold division for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Stepping up to the Gold Series riding a three-race win streak, Goudawon and driver Bob McClure sat back before making the most of their opportunity, charging home in 26 3/5 to pick off her rivals at odds of 40-1.

"I just wanted to use her as little as possible the whole way, cut both turns and try, and salvage a fifth and get (the connections) their entry money back," said driver McClure. "I knew they wanted to try the Golds, and they ended up unlucky with a heavyweight division with just eight horses.

"It worked out really well and at the head of the lane she had a ton of go. We got out on Prohibition Legal's back, and she just kicked home great."

The opening-half of the contest saw Speaker Nancy blast out to post a 26 4/5 first quarter before Balance rushed to the top from fourth to hit the half in 56 3/5. The new leader did not rest on the lead, blasting the third quarter in 27 seconds.

Even-money choice Prohibition Legal got away sixth and got into the outer-flow, but sat third-over turning for home. Meanwhile, eventual winner Goudawon got away eighth and hugged the rail throughout the opening three-quarters.

In the stretch, Balance did her best to fight off rivals, dealing with pressure from Speaker Nancy and Prohibition Legal. Balance's game effort would be overshadowed by Goudawon, who angled off the pylons to the far outside and shot by to score by a neck in a career-best 1:51 1/5.

Balance held second, while 41-1 longshot Got The Gold got third after sitting third at the rail throughout. Prohibition Legal rounded out the Superfecta.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

A homebred for Brenda and Mark Lane, who share ownership with Anthony Lane, Goudawon delivered her connections a great thrill with her stunning victory.

"It just feels fantastic," said Brenda Lane. "Our family is here and I'm really at a loss for words, and that's not me. I foaled her out myself, and we decided we're all in and it's great."

A daughter of Betterthancheddar, Goudawon improved her 3-year-old record to five wins in 10 starts and now holds the distinction of being a Grassroots and Gold winner in the same season. The Murray Brethour trainee is now a seven-time career winner with C$121,770 earned in 2022 and C$145,869 lifetime.

A $2 win ticket on Goudawon returned $83.80.

--press release (Woodbine Mohawk Park)--