Woodbine Mohawk Park: Ocean Storm rides the wave to William Wellwood Memorial title

Ocean Storm found a second-over trip and then went on past in the homestretch to capture the Grade 1 C$570,000 William Wellwood Memorial for 2-year-old male trotters on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park in a stakes record-equaling 1:52 4/5 mile. Yannick Gingras guided the 8-5 favorite to the victory in just his third lifetime start for trainer Cam Capone.

Ocean Storm took off the gate at the outset, but Free Scottie and Detonater Hanover left with authority into the opening bend. Free Scottie and James MacDonald took control but yielded to Yankee Boss following the 26 4/5 opening quarter. Tyler Moore didn't wait very long and re-moved Detonater Hanover to the front shortly after that, then was able to control the pace to a very sensible 56 2/5 first-half clocking.

Scott Zeron took up the chase with Top Reacher, going first-over from his position in sixth approaching the half, supplying Ocean Storm with a second-over tow in the process. It would be a long mission for Top Reacher, but he would reach even-terms with the pace-setter Detonater Hanover by three quarters in 1:24 4/5.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

With Detonater Hanover and Top Reacher going head-to-head in the stretch, Gingras bided his time tipping wide and only began to ask Ocean Storm mildly with the finish line approaching. Ocean Storm, a son of Chapter Seven, kicked into high gear late and drove past the two leaders to get up with ease. Access Now and Bob McClure were stymied on the final turn following a ground-saving trip, but when Free Scottie made a miscue, McClure deftly steered his charge for room late and flew across the wire to nail the place spot ahead of a gutsy Top Reacher. Detonater Hanover settled for fourth after cutting the mile and The Italian Job finished fifth.

Ocean Storm is owned by ADH Holdings, Paul Kautz, Jeffrey Gural and Jean-Pierre Barjon. Barjon bred Ocean Storm as well. As the public choice Ocean Storm returned $5.50 to win.

"Top of the lane, second-over, we were licking our chops," said Capone following the trip in the winner's circle.