Nirvana Seelster delivered as the 6-5 favourite in the $34,000 Preferred Pace at Woodbine Racetrack, wiring his rivals by one and one quarter lengths in 1:52.3 on Saturday, March 24.
Driven by Trevor Henry, the seven-year-old Camluck gelding took control before pacing to the quarter in :27.2, leading The Rev into the backstretch. Under no pressure through a :57 half, Nirvana Seelster held an uncontested lead moving into the final turn, with Fine Diamond advancing first over to match strides with The Rev in the pocket. Nirvana Seelster hit three-quarters in 1:25 and maintained a length advantage through the stretch, besting The Rev, finishing second, and Fine Diamond, finishing third.
Owned by Bruce Davy, Nirvana Seelster, trained by Bill Budd, won his fourth race in 10 starts this season and his 36th in 161 overall, earning $912,914. He paid $4.50 to win.
Richard Moreau-trainee Isitfridayyet won his seventh-consecutive race on the Saturday undercard, brushing to the top moving into the final turn to win a $20,000 conditioned pace in 1:51. The 1-9 favourite, Isitfridayyet sat fifth through a :26.3 opening quarter before driver Louis-Philippe Roy edged first over, clearing the lead from pacesetter Tuxedo Bay after a :56.1 half. Passing three-quarters in 1:23, Isitfridayyet kicked clear of Tuxedo Bay in the stretch, winning by three-and-a-quarter lengths at the line.
Winning his 16th start in 81 overall, Isitfridayyet, a five-year-old gelding by No Pan Intended out of the Artiscape mare Art Debut, competes for owner Leonard Rosene after being claimed for $20,000 on February 19. Surpassing $100,000 in earnings, he paid $2.30 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.