Green Manalishi's first stakes winner, Galen Erso, claimed victory in the second $95,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold division for two-year-old trotting males at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Tuesday. Bred by Marcus Melander, the colt was expertly guided by driver Doug McNair as he made his way from fourth at the quarter to the front at the half. Galen Erso held off a strong challenge from Artful Dodger to cross the line first in 1:56.1, securing his sire's first-stakes victory. Trained by Gregg McNair, Galen Erso is now owned by Melander himself.
In the first division, Lmc Wagon Wheel, driven by Pat Hudon, rallied from third-over to capture the win. The gelding, trained by Hudon, overtook the leaders in the stretch to claim victory in 1:57.4. This win marks Lmc Wagon Wheel's second victory in three starts, with owner Frank Cirillo of Kleinburg celebrating the success.
The evening also saw a rare double-promotion to win in the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots split for two-year-old pacing fillies. Forrest Leah, trained by John Thomson, displayed an impressive performance despite being cut off in the final stretch. The filly finished third after the disqualification of the first-place finisher, Lady Gambler, and the runner-up Gooned Again. Forrest Leah remains undefeated in two starts under the ownership of Thomson and Larry Todd.
Additional division winners included Chantilly, captained by James MacDonald, Tricky Wicky, piloted by Jody Jamieson, and Saddlebags, guided by Dave Menary. Each horse delivered a strong performance, showcasing their potential in the competitive racing circuit.