A pair of Preferred events went postward Monday evening (July 8) at Grand River Raceway, and speed reigned supreme in those pacing tilts.

Regal Luck went to the front and didn’t look back in the $8,500 Preferred 3 for filly and mare pacers.

Scott Young hustled the John Smith trainee to the lead from Post 2 and they carved out panels of :28.1, :58 and 1:26.1 before using a :29.1 final frame to win by a length over race favourite Top Royal in 1:55.2. Howmacfiesty rounded out the Trifecta ticket.

John Smith, Jr. of Burford, Ont. owns the nine-year-old daughter of Stonebridge Regal-Lapidarys Luck. The veteran improved this year’s record to 3-4-1 from 14 attempts with the win, while boosting her bankroll to $334,930. She’s a 37-time winner to date.

Smooth Mara N used the same tactical approach to capture the $8,500 Preferred 3 for horse and gelding pacers.

Co-owner/driver Ed Hensley powered to the lead with the gelding and they proceeded to lead the field through fractions of :27.3, :58.1 and 1:26.4 before kicking home in :29.1 to win by a head over Better BB in 1:56. Taking home third prize was Par Intended.

Sent off as the 2-1 favourite for co-owner/trainer Ashleigh Hensley, the seven-year-old son of Lis Mara-Smooth Asset now boasts a 3-3-2 record from 18 trips to the track this season. The 12-time winner bumped his overall cash stash to $63,979 with the win.

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Grand River Raceway.