Pylon-starter Jewels Dragon powered to the front and commanded at every pole to take the $13,000 Preferred 2 Handicap at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Tuesday (Jan. 11).
Driver Travis Cullen protected the pylons to open a two-length lead on Homey Joe to the first quarter in :28.4 before shutting down the speed to a 1:00 half. With the pace settling, Icy Blue Scooter zipped out of fourth and ventured uncovered after the pacesetter into the headwind, but persisted into the backstretch and the tailwind. But Jewels Dragon accelerated in the back straight, clicking three-quarters in 1:27.4 and edging about four lengths clear of the field. The six-year-old Custard The Dragon gelding faced little challenge from there coming for home, striding to a 3-1/2-length victory in 1:57.1 over odds-on favourite Ideal Perception, who rallied from second over to take second. Hunter Hill came from last to just miss and settle for third.
Owned by A1stable and Paul Sanders, Jewels Dragon won his 21st from 85 starts, pushing his earnings to $223,830. Jodie Cullen trains the $11 winner.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.