Rookie trotters impress in Champlain divisions

MILTON, September 13, 2024 – Trainer Blake MacIntosh led the way with winners in two of Friday’s three Champlain Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The MacIntosh stable swept both divisions of the Champlain for two-year-old trotting fillies, while Luc Blais trainee Emoticon Legacy captured the lone Champlain event for rookie colt and gelding trotters.

Peaceful Way final winner Monalishi held off Lasting Dream by a nose for a coast-to-coast victory in the first $85,623 Champlain Filly division.

Driven by James MacDonald, Monalishi got out to the lead and posted fractions of :29, :59.1 and 1:27.3, while Lasting Dream sat on her back. Monalishi got some separation at the head of the lane, but Lasting Dream was in full flight late to make it a photo finish.

The MacIntosh trained Monalishi trotted home in :27.1 for the 1:54.4 victory, while the Blais trained Lasting Dream delivered a :26.4 final-quarter. Grand Reserve, who made a first-up challenge on the far turn, finished third.

A daughter of Green Manalishi S, Monalishi is now an impressive five for seven on the season and has surpassed $400,000 in earnings for owners Tim Klemencic and MacIntosh.

MacIntosh confirmed post-race that Monalishi does have a spot in next Saturday’s Mohawk Million.

A $2 win ticket on Monalishi returned $3.70.

Not to be overshadowed by her stablemate, Medley Seelster dug in to win the $84,622 second Champlain Filly division in 1:56.4.

Medley Seelster and driver Jody Jamieson took a look at the early lead, but were forced to settled into a two-hole position. The duo looped around to the lead at the half in :59.1 and would face pressure the rest of the way.

In the stretch, Medley Seelster fought gamely to reach the wire first, holding off a charging Beersnsunshine Deo by a neck and first-up challenger Southwind Milk.

A daughter of Wheeling N Dealin, Medley Seelster was entering the Champlain off an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold victory on September 6. She is now four for 10 with over $180,000 earned for owner Glenn Dyke.

Medley Seelster paid $10.90 to win.

Emoticon Legacy turned in an eye-catching final-quarter to win the $164,785 Champlain Open Trot in 1:55.1.

Driver Louis-Philippe Roy showed plenty of patience with Emoticon Legacy, as the pair got away seventh and would end up third-over in sixth heading around the final turn.

The stretch drive saw Emoticon Legacy sweep his rivals with a powerful :27.1 final-quarter to win comfortably by 3 ¾ lengths. Tregaron, who was spotted just in front of the eventual winner turning for home, finished in second, while Wildturkey Hanover finished third after tailing ‘Emoticon’ in a fourth-over position.

A homebred for Determination, Emoticon Legacy is by the standout stallion Walner and out of the champion mare Emoticon Hanover. He now has three wins in four starts and has earned nearly $150,000.

Emoticon Legacy is also expected to compete in next Saturday’s Mohawk Million. He paid $5.30 to win.

Grand Circuit action continues Saturday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park with the Milton Stakes Final, plus eliminations for the Metro Pace, Canadian Trotting Classic, Shes A Great Lady and Elegantimage. Post time is 7:10 p.m.