The Weather Network's Chris Mei paid a special visit to Flamboro Downs on a chilly -12 degree Sunday evening and took over the announcer's booth to share the nightly forecast and call the third race as part of the track's Announcer Idol competition.
When the wings of the starting gate closed for the 'Idol' race, pacing mare Victoria established the lead from post six as Mei searched for his binoculars in the booth.
"Boy, it's really hard to see that far away! Where's my binoculars?" laughed Mei as the horses headed down the backstretch for the first time.
Meanwhile, Victoria and driver Billy Davis Jr. continued to lead the field with the longest shot on the board, Favourite Odds and J Harris, following in second.
"Victoria looks to be running the table here," called Mei as the field headed into the backstretch for the second time. "This is pretty easy for this horse."
The action began to pick up as favourite Lucky Lady Katie and Jody Jamieson advanced from third.
"This is wicked exciting from my vantage point. I've got the best seat in the house, there's no doubt about it," said Mei as Victoria rounded the final turn with Lucky Lady Katie challenging on the outside.
But Victoria rebuffed her rival into the stretch and cruised home for the three length victory in 1:58 flat.
"That whole thing finished in under two minutes! You've got to be kidding me, it doesn't even take two minutes for the horses to go a mile? Man, that's fast! That felt like a year for me," laughed Mei after the horses crossed the wire.
Victoria paid $20.80 to win as the 9-1 fifth choice in the field of eight. The victory was her second in five seasonal starts for trainer and owner Domenico Dicicco of London Ont.
Favorite Odds edged out Lucky Lady Katie for the runner-up honours.
Following his race call, Mei offered some advice to local patrons.
"Something I know a little more about is the fact it's partly cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of flurries later on this evening, clearing a little bit later on," he said. "Winds of northwest at 20 kilometre per hour, wind chill continues making it feel a little closer to -30 overnight, so dress warmly. You're going to need the flannels when you go to bed!"
There are just three more Announcer Idol races left in the competition, which runs through March 23. The remaining contestants include Brian West (Afternoons, Y108), Jason Portuondo (Sports, CHCH) and Scott Penfold (Middays, Y108).
Fans and patrons will get to vote for their favourite race call at the end of the month and the winning announcer will receive a donation to the local charity of their choice, courtesy of Flamboro Downs and Great Canadian Gaming.
Davis Jr. led all drivers for wins on the 12-race card, ending the night with three. One of his other wins came in the $7,000 Preferred 3 Trot with Denise Anderson's homebred gelding Cimeronken ($3.20), who drew off by five and three-quarter lengths to stop the clock in 1:58.3. Daryl Roberts is the winning conditioner.
Trainer Victor Puddy also had a three-win night.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.