Woodbine Mohawk Park: Rookies clash in Nassagaweya, Eternal Camnation

Boxer Seelster and driver Trevor Henry catapulted off a second-over trip to upset in Saturday’s C$230,000 Nassagaweya stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The 2-year-old son of Bettor's Delight sprinted powerfully through the final quarter, posting a 1:52 career-best effort in the Grand Circuit event.

Favored Prince Hal Hanover and driver Bob McClure allowed Ayeaye Captain Deo to loop them at the start and then marched up to the lead through a 26 4/5 opening quarter. Prince Hal Hanover cut a soft half of 56 1/5 and was still under rating when Joel And The Jets pulled on the final turn, towing Boxer Seelster behind him.

With three-quarters in 1:25 it appeared as if Prince Hal Hanover would have his way with the field, but as soon as Henry tipped Boxer Seelster off cover, he exploded to blow right past the favorite and open ground on the field. Prince Hal Hanover saved the place barely, with Brigade and Yannick Gingras coming on late for third.

Trained by Scott McEneny and co-owned by McEneny along with Aristi Varsakis, Martwest Racing and Cantucky Farm, Boxer Seelster won for the second time in four career starts and returned $20.50 to win.

"I trained his father, and I trained his mother, and she made a lot of money for me," said McEneny of his decision to purchase Boxer Seelster at auction in 2023. “Actually, he went for less than I had expected."

Chantilly and driver James MacDonald continued their winning ways with an imposing effort, capturing the C$110,000 first Eternal Camnation division for rookie pacing fillies in a wrapped-up 1:51 3/5 mile. The homebred by Big Jim scored her fourth straight stakes victory for trainer Nick Gallucci.

Despite going off at 1-20, MacDonald allowed others to do the heavy lifting early, floating out of the gate from post eight and settling into a tuck before the quarter. Au Jus Hanover took the early lead, forcing Spoiled Beauty and Papis Opinion to take seats on the opening turn.

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After a 26 4/5 first quarter Dexter Dunn sent Papis Opinion on a second move to the front. Chantilly was given her cue on the backstretch and she marched strongly, reaching the lead by the 55 3/5 half-mile pole. Once in command Chantilly cruised to three-quarters in 1:24 1/5, backing the pace to the discomfort of Dunn, who popped the pocket briefly to challenge at three-quarters but quickly ducked back in behind the fleet-footed Chantilly.

A 27 2/5 final quarter with the earplugs still in finished the mile as Chantilly rolled home confidently. Wicked N Single rallied late to get the place spot ahead of Papis Opinion.

Owned by bred by Millar Farms, Chantilly returned $2.10 as the shortest possible favorite.

"She's a real speed demon," said MacDonald of the filly.

Perfectly Chic and McClure popped out of the pocket in midstretch and collared pace-setter Cant See Me to capture the C$110,000 second Eternal Camnation section in a 1:52 3/5 personal-best clocking.

McClure had Perfectly Chic on top in the early stages ahead of Always Dawn through a 27 3/5 opening fraction. Dunn moved Cant See Me, the second choice, to the front on a slow second quarter grind, reaching the half in front in 57 1/5. Dunn picked up the pace some in the third quarter and had a safe edge in 1:25 1/5.

McClure moved the John Pentland-trained daughter of Betterthancheddar out, and under a hard drive were able to wear down
Cant See Me in the late stages. Bonhomie Hanover rallied impressively from far back to finish third.

Owned by Steve Mihalic, Pentland and a numbered corporation that includes McClure, Perfectly Chic was a winner for the second time in five starts this year and paid $3.80 as the choice.

"She felt really good," said McClure. "She dug really deep."