A sloppy track and less than ideal conditions on the Sunday (Dec. 3) card at Flamboro Downs proved to be no problem for Arties Ideal as he rolled to a front-end victory in the $11,000 Preferred Pace, which highlighted the 10-race card.
Sent off as the 4-5 betting choice from the rail, driver Samuel Fillion took full advantage of the inside draw in the early stages. Arties Ideal settled in the pocket position only briefly behind Cheddar Bay (J Harris) off the first turn before moving to the outside and looking for the lead through a :27.1 opening quarter. Arties Ideal quickly assumed command and received respect on the lead, slowing the tempo down to the halfway point unchallenged in :57.1.
The action quickly picked up in the third quarter as Arties Ideal opened up a two-length lead on a three-across battle for second with Wilcat Rocky (Travis Cullen) going first-up from third as P L Oliver (Colin Kelly) tipped three-wide up the backstretch with Cheddar Bay sitting the pocket through three-quarters in 1:25.3.
On the final turn, Arties Ideal and Cheddar Bay rode the pylons to emerge clear from the pack at the top of the lane. Harris wheeled Cheddar Bay to the outside from the pocket with sights set on the race favourite in the stretch. However, Arties Ideal proved to be tough on the lead, digging in gamely with a :29.1 final quarter to fend off Cheddar Bay by a length on the line in 1:54.4. Pembrook Legacy N and Lorne House rallied for the third position.
The victory was the seventh in 30 seasonal outings for the Kyle Fellows trainee and his 24th career victory. Owned by Hutt Racing Stable, the seven-year-old stallion by American Ideal-Midnight Art has now banked $611,620 for his career.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.