MILTON, Ont., Sept. 28, 2024 – After coming up just short of The Vicar (Artspeak) in the regular-season finale, Pollack Racing LLC’s Century Komodo stood his ground for a career-best 1:50 win in the $75,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Final for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Doug McNair left with Century Komodo from the middle of the gate, but the pair were looped by Do Better (Bettors Delight) and a parked McPleasant (McWicked) on the sprint to the first turn, ultimately settling into fourth through a :26.4 as 44-1 longshot Lakers Bank controlled the early terms.
Just as McPleasant strode clear to the lead upon reaching the backstretch, McNair gave Century Komodo the green light, and he brushed to the fore at the :55.2 midway stage, only for his rival to be in hot pursuit.
Entering the far turn, Century Komodo faced immediate pressure from The Vicar and driver Louis-Philippe Roy, who dueled to a half-length lead at the 1:22.1 three-quarters sectional. Undeterred, Century Komodo dug in turning for home, reclaimed the lead at the eighth pole, and won by a driven three-quarters of a length.
The Vicar finished second as the even-money choice, Chalk Hanover (Bettors Delight) was a one-paced third after sitting second-over behind the dueling favourites.
“That one of Louis’ has been racing great,” said McNair. “I thought I had him last week [in their Sept. 16 Grassroots preliminary at Woodbine]. I just didn’t have enough room to get up the inside. I thought last start was his best race in probably five or six starts. I was hoping it would carry into tonight, and it did.”
Century Komodo, a Bettors Delight-Michelons Filly gelding whom Anthony Beaton trains, has won six of 14 races this season and banked $118,720 in his career.
He paid $5.40 to win as the 8-5 second choice.
FEATURED PHOTO: Century Komodo winning the $75,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Final for three-year-old pacing colts on Sept. 28, 2024 at Woodbine Mohawk Park (Clive Cohen/New Image Media)
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