The Abbetross A Claiming Series for $4,500 claiming pacers kicked off on New Year’s Day at Fraser Downs with driver Jim Marino capturing one half of the four divisions
worth $2,500 a piece
.
Modern Man journeyed first over to win the first race of the New Year at Fraser, the first Abbetross A division, for driver Scott Knight and trainer Terry Burstyk. The seven-year-old gelded son of Jate Lobell-Modigliani pulled off a 12-1 upset over pacesetter Bad Dude (Ed Hensley) with his one length victory in 1:54.2. His 22nd career win lifted his bankroll to $99,568. Modern Man was claimed off owner Deborah Burstyk of Surrey, B.C. by Keith Clark for $4,500.
Driven by Jim Marino for trainer Wayne Isbister, Red Star Felix led from start to finish to capture the next division by half a length in 1:54.4. Garden Gate Ll (Gord Abbott) closed from the backfield to place while pocket-sitter Ronny Woo Woo (John Hudon) finished third. The five-year-old son of As Promised-Innocent Girl, who notched win No. 13 and lifted his career earnings to $33,210, is owned by Richard and Donald Young, both of Surrey, B.C.
Marino doubled up in the third division as the popular Desperate Measures advanced to the lead during the middle splits and paced away to a four and three-quarter length score in 1:55.4 for trainer Justin Currie and owner Chris Currie of Langley, B.C. Prime Time Bliss (Don Monkman Jr.) finished second and longshot Fiddles Missile (John Abbott) closed well for third. The eight-year-old son of Electric Yankee-Deal Offthe Bottom, a career winner of 34 races and $283,912, notched his fifth win in his last six starts.
Red Star Popeye overcame a Post 8 start to win the final division in 1:55.3 by one and three-quarter lengths. Cheyenne Dusk (Tyler Remillard) finished second off a pocket trip while favourite Red Star Governor (David Jungquist) settled for third after setting the pace. David McKellar drives, trains and owns the six-year-old son of As Promised-Lynerin Hanover, who has won four of his five last starts. His 14th career win pushed his earnings to $56,668.
To view Saturday's results, click here.