The process of scouting and going over yearlings is not an exact science but every year nearly every horseperson tries to pick out the best of the bunch. That said, Kevin MacLean had a strong suspicion he had something special when he came across Woodmere Jazz at the 2020 Atlantic Classic Yearling Sale.
“We thought this is the one that was the most correct and she has a good pedigree. We were very fortunate to get her for a good price.”
Reg MacPherson collared the yearling filly for $14,500 and entrusted MacLean with training duties. MacLean quickly knew they made the right choice and had high expectations for her heading into his rookie season.
A summer-long battle appears to be brewing in the Atlantic Sires Stakes’ glamour boy division.
Last year, Woodmere Stealdeal had 13 wins in 13 starts in his two-year-old campaign and made more than $68,000. He had his first start of 2021 this past Saturday at Red Shores Summerside in the first ATSS event of the year. Woodmere Stealdeal was the clear favourite of the contest, but the race ended up playing out differently.
Another Steelhead Hanover sired colt, Dustylanegoliath, was the one to cross the finish line first. It was not a complete upset as Dustylanegoliath was sent off as the 7/5 second choice after starting 2021 with a string of success. As a sophomore, he has four wins and a second in his five starts of the year for owner Daniel Ross of Belfast, P.E.I. with more than $11,000 in earnings.
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It was a stakes-filled Tuesday at Truro Raceway, as stars of the Atlantic Sires Stakes were out in full force on the eight-race program.
In the first of the two $9,220 ‘A’ divisions for two-year-old pacing fillies it was Woodmere Jazz rolling to an impressive-looking score in 1:57.4 for driver Gilles Barrieau.
He had the daughter of Rollwithitharry-Shadow Dancer on the lead through fractions of :28.4, :59.2 and 1:28.4 before punching home in :29 to win by 2-1/2 lengths over Rhojo Moe. West River Glo was third.
Kevin MacLean trains the youngster for Reg MacPherson of Stratford, PE. She’s now 3-for-3 to kick off her career and she’s banked over $12,000.
There was no stopping Time To Dance on his way to the winner’s circle in the 53rd running of the Governor’s Plate, presented by Summerside Chrysler Dodge, Saturday evening (July 10) at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway.
Driver Marc Campbell was aggressive from Post 1, setting his trainee on the lead in the $25,000 final while forcing hard-leaving Woodmere Ideal Art to get in the two-hole headed to a :27 opening quarter. Day Delight found himself caught on the outside as the field approached a half of :55.2, and that is when Time To Dance opened on the lead going to the three-quarters in 1:24.3 and then closing the mile in 1:53.1.