Woodbine Mohawk Park: Series continue for rookie trotters

Rookie trotters were the focus Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park for the second legs of the Millard Farms and Pure Ivory Series. Round two of the Pure Ivory for fillies saw a pair of C$20,000 divisions contested, while the Millard Farms had one large field of colts and geldings competing in a C$20,000 event.

World At War Deo will have an opportunity at a sweep of the Millard Farms following a career-best 1:56 3/5 score. The Dave Menary trainee moved out from third at the opening-quarter for driver Jody Jamieson and trotted strongly to the lead, posting a half of 58 1/5.

After reaching three-quarters in a solid time of 1:27, World At War Deo's strides started to shorten in deep stretch, setting up an exciting finish with Mr Fritter, who came charging out from third. The finish line arrived right in time for World At War Deo to hold on for the narrow victory. Devereux Seelster finished third, while Mercutio was fourth.

A son of Chapter Seven, World At War Deo is now three-for-three with C$27,500 earned for owners Steve Heimbecker, Blue Chip Bloodstock, Michael Guerriero, and Menary Racing. The rookie trotting colt sold for $70,000 at last fall's Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. He paid $3.10 to win.

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The second round of the Pure Ivory saw Samosa and Eternal Lee collect maiden-breaking victories.

Converting off a two-hole trip, Samosa trotted home in 28 1/5 to edge Dabra Day in a national-season's best 1:56 at odds of 18-1. Sylvain Filion guided the Scott McEneny trainee to the upset score, a table-turning performance after Cantab Hall filly made a break in the first leg. Runner-up Dabra Day was coming in off a victory in the Pure Ivory first leg.

Samosa paid $38.80 to win. A $25,000 yearling, Samosa is co-owned by breeder Fred Hertrich III and McEneny and has now earned C$12,400 in four starts.

The Pure Ivory second split saw the debuting Eternal Lee rally from fourth at the head of the lane to pick off Lady Montague in 1:58 4/5. The Julie Walker-trained Eternal Lee was sent off as the public's top choice after a pair of strong qualifying efforts.

Bob McClure guided Eternal Lee for Walker and owner/breeder Murray Ferguson. The rookie trotting filly unleashed a 27 3/5 final quarter to track down Lady Montague, who was in search of a coast-to-coast victory.

A $2 win ticket on Eternal Lee returned $3.90.

Clockwork Orange, who won a first leg division, along with Dabra Day, did not compete in Thursday's second leg.

The series finales of the Millard Farms and Pure Ivory will take place next Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

--press release (Woodbine Mohawk Park)--