Saturday, October 14's program at Northside Downs featured two $1,200 eliminations for the Governors Cup, both of which were claimed by the odds-on favourites.
Surrealist, sent the 2-5 choice, brushed to the lead following the quarter and advanced to a five-and-a-quarter length victory in 1:58.3.
Away third, Surrealist moved to take the front from pacesetter Im A Sumbunnie following a :28 opening quarter. Leading at the half in :58, Surrealist kicked to a four-length lead past three-quarters, timed in 1:28, and finished clear of Windsong Katie chasing in second, while J N J grabbed third and Brother John held fourth.
An eleven-year-old gelding by Modern Art from the Run The Table mare Keeping Secrets, Surrealist, paying $2.60, competes for owner-trainer Dana Getto and was driven by Ryan Campbell.
Euchred, the 4-5 favourite, wired the field in the other Governors Cup elimination, winning narrowly in 1:57.4.
Unchallenged through fractions of :28 and :57.4, Euchred moved to three-quarters a length in front of Gotfaithincowboys, carrying Southwind Ricardo into contention. Timed in 1:27.1, Euchred turned for home in front of Gotfaithincowboys, overtaken by Southwind Ricardo as he chased towards the pacesetter, coming a half-length short of victory at the line. Gotfaithincowboys held third while pocket-rider Putnams Power finished fourth.
Owned by Kayla Habicht Walker, Euchred, a five-year-old gelding by Shadow Play, returned $3.80 to win. He's trained by Walter Walker and was driven by Mark Pezzarello.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.