Tied for second in single-season wins last year, Spicey Victor returned to the winner's circle in his first start of 2019 when winning an $8,500 claiming trot at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Tuesday, Jan. 15.
Driver Scott Coulter positioned the nine-year-old Broadway Hall gelding fifth as Holiday Holly brushed to the front heading past a :29 opening quarter. Coulter tipped the favourite off the rail moving into the far turn and advanced towards Holiday Holly approaching a 1:00.1 half.
Spicey Victor pulled a length in front of Holiday Holly passing three-quarters in 1:30.3. From there the Leonard Lalonde trainee widened his margin turning into and through the stretch. Jilona, tracking the favourite's cover, gave pursuit in second while Jagersro overtook pocket-sitter Burst Hanover for third, four lengths back.
Claimed by Steve Coulter for $8,500, Spicey Victor changed hands numerous times through 2018, however trainer Leonard Lalonde and owner Kristina Lalonde claimed him back on every occasion. The earner of $193,277 won 20 races from 39 starts last year while Southwind Amazon, racing in Ohio, won the most races of any horse last year with 22. Spicey Victor has 45 victories overall from 201 starts.
Spicey Victor paid $3.30 to win.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.