The Iceman Trotting Series kicked off on Saturday night at Sudbury Downs with driver Gerry Belanger capturing two of the three $5,000 claiming divisions

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In the first division, Cup O Tea and Gerry Belanger sat third for most of the mile while favourite Cajun Dreamin (Wayne MacLean) battled on top with Starjest (Darryl Munro). The 4-1 third choice used :31.2 final quarter to come on for the victory in the stretch over a track rated two seconds off. Cup O Tea won in 2:03.1 by a half-length over longshot Robert D (Mario Rivest) while Cajun Dreamin finished three-quarters of a length back in third.

Yvon Duclos owns and trains the five-year-old Malabar Man-Lady Wesgate mare, who has won five of her 33 starts this season earning $21,802.

Nine-year-old Vawns Chip scored a decisive 10-length victory in the next division with trainer-owner Wayne MacLean between the wheels. The 4-1 second choice went three-wide at the third quarter station around Berniecomestotown (Gerry Belanger) and sprinted home in :29.4 for the 2:03 triumph.

Berniecomestotown finished second with the favourite, pacesetter R M Shy (Paul MacLean), and Winsum Ranger (Justin Turcotte) finishing third in a dead-heat.

The son of Pine Chip-Vawns Victory notched his eighth win in 26 starts this year lifting his earnings to $29,252.

Belanger returned to the winner’s circle after guiding Mimis Express to a 2:03 victory in the final division in front-stepping fashion. The 7-1 third choice won by two lengths over the pocket-sitting Sultan Of Squat (David Dowling) and favourite Team Lavec (Wayne MacLean).

Mimis Express, a seven-year-old Elliotts Express-Mayors Colleen mare, is owned and trained by Kevin Maguire. Her sixth win in 26 starts this year bumped her earnings to $18,368.

The second leg of the series will take place next Saturday at Sudbury Downs with the top point earners returning for the $14,400 finale the following Saturday, December 19.

Racing continues Saturday nights at Sudbury through December 19. The season will wrap up with a special New Year's Eve afternoon program.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click here.