Last at the half, Buddy Weiser got up in time to prevail in a photo finish in the featured $12,000 Open Pace on Friday night (December 15) at Fraser Downs.
With the inside post advantage, 1-2 favourite and defending class champion Illwinifican grabbed the lead, but Royal Renegade quickly crossed in front from post four during a :26.3 opening quarter over the sloppy track. Heading to the clubhouse turn, Sterling Cooper moved first-up and went head-to-head at the :56 half before gaining the lead. Sabine Pass tracked second-over while Buddy Weiser launched three-wide by the 1:24.4 three-quarters mark and prevailed in a four-across finish over Wrangler Cash, who closed widest of all outside of the 1:54.3 winner. Sterling Cooper finished third over Sabine Pass.
Sent postward at odds of 13-1 from the outside post seven, Buddy Weiser paid $28.60 to win. The victory was his seventh in 18 seasonal starts and bumped his annual income to $54,675.
Vancouver-based Veikko Pajunen owns the five-year-old Western Ideal gelding, who is trained and driven by Rod Therres.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.