Flamboro Downs welcomed Laura Leigh Groppo of 105.7 EZ Rock to the announcer's booth to call race three on Sunday evening as part of its Announcer Idol competition for charity.
Nephin went head-to-head with even-money favourite Ziggy Sky for the final half of the race.
"Ziggy Sky and Nephin are battling stride for stride, it's going to be a close one," called Groppo, with track announcer Gary Guy assisting. "Making the final turn, Nephin has the slight lead."
Nephin eventually drew clear in the stretch to prevail by one and a quarter lengths in 1:59.2 over the 'good' track with a one second variant. The 2-1 second choice paid $6.40 to win.
Frank Mancini trains and co-owns the four-year-old Camluck gelding with William Johnstone and Colin Densley Burrows. J Harris was the winning driver.
"I'd like to thank the crew here for having me, especially the announcer leaning over my shoulder giving me tips, Gary," said Groppo after the race. "Thank you so much for making room for us in Announcer Idol."
CHCH TV's Jason Portuondo will take the mic for next Sunday's edition of Announcer Idol. The promotion continues through March 23 with a different, local broadcast media personality taking the mic for the third race every Sunday night. At the end of March, fans and patrons will vote for their favourite race call on the Flamboro Downs website and the winning announcer will receive a donation to the local charity of their choice, compliments of Flamboro Downs and Great Canadian Gaming.
In other racing action, Sunday's featured $11,000 Preferred 2 Pace was won by Mach It Big for brothers Robert and Patrick Shepherd and owner Jonah Moase. The six-year-old son of Mach Three converted off a pocket trip to defeat pacesetter Nothingbutmach by three lengths in 1:55.4. He paid $6.50 to win as the race favourite.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.