Inside Track for October 10-11

A look at some of the top highlights from the past weekend of racing at Mohawk.

Cheers!

On a Saturday that crowned eight Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series Super Final champions, Drinkin Buddy enjoyed a nightcap of his own with a one-length tally in the card’s 12^th and final contest.

The come-from-behind victory at 17-1 was the Heather Pickett homebred’s fifth win this year and 29^th from 153 starts overall ($245,616 in purse earnings).

A 7-year-old son of Your Nemesis, out of the Royal Mattjesty mare Zip Car, Drinkin Buddy paid $36.20.

What a gem

Sent off at the longest price in Sunday’s night third, Sapphire Steve (19-1) delivered a gem of a performance to pull off the upset for conditioner Carman Hie.

The 4-year-old gelding, who Hie co-bred and co-owns, displayed tremendous grit to hold off 2-1 choice Sugar Packet and reach the wire a head clear.

Now standing at 6-13-2 through 43 starts, the bay son of Trixton–China Pearls (by Kadabra) has collected nearly $123,000 in total purse earnings.

Sapphire Steve paid $41.20.

Curtain-opening shocker

A ninth-place finish one week ago didn’t deter from Premier First Star of shining brightest in Sunday evening’s first dash.

Trained by Jodie Cullen and driven by Travis, Cullen the 5-year-old son of Stay Hungry posted a 28-1 upset, besting his closest rival by 2 1/2 lengths in a time of 1:50.3.

Owned by Robert Jones, the brown gelding was bred by Dennis Bontrager.

With the win, Premier First Star, who paid $59.90, is 10-12-8 from 88 starts, along with $173,185 in purse earnings.