The betting public had a lot of faith in Homey Joe in Monday’s $8,500 Preferred 3 for horse and gelding pacers at The Raceway at Western Fair District, and the Mark MacQuarrie trainee didn’t disappoint his backers.

Sent off as the 3-5 favourite in the six-horse affair, Tyler Borth got away sixth with Homey Joe while Jake Loewen and Maximus Power battled to the quarter pole in :27.3 before Jake Loewen cleared to the top. Once he took command he rolled the group through middle panels of :57.4 and 1:27.2. Homey Joe, in the meantime, latched on to cover behind Mr Mach Jimmy on the way to the half.

Borth continued to advance on cover before calling on Homey Joe to sprint in the late stages of the mile. Homey Joe uncorked a :29.3 closing frame, and it was good enough to earn the pacer the win by 1-3/4 lengths over Mr Mach Jimmy in 1:57.3. Jake Loewen weakened late and settled for the show dough.

Trainer Mark MacQuarrie co-owns the seven-year-old son of Hes Gorgeous-Give The Gift with Angus MacQuarrie of Inverness, NS. It was the 16th lifetime score for the pacer who is closing in on $160,000 in lifetime earnings.

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.