Five of the Maritimes’ best heavyweights clashed in the $5,000 Walter Dale Memorial at Fredericton Raceway on Thursday evening, and when the dust settled it was P H Bestman who took home the title belt

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P H Bestman made a bold three-wide move at the three-quarter pole for driver Todd Trites and then used a :28.1 final frame to win in going-away fashion. His margin of victory was 1-3/4 lengths over runner-up St Pete Star. Third went to the 4-5 favourite, Outlawpositivcharg.

Dr. Trevin Shive trains the five-year-old son of Cambest for owner Dr. James Shive of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. The pacer, who is 5-for-17 this season, has 23 lifetime wins and close to $200,000 in earnings.

The Thursday evening program also featured five divisions of the Atlantic Sires Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

Allbentouttashape extended his win streak to 11-in-a-row thanks to a 1:57.3 score in his $7,320 “A” division. In rein to Kenny Arsenault, the Sean Dooley-trained son of Quick Comeback-C A Lady led through fractions of :29.2, :58.3 and 1:27.4 en route to posting the 3-3/4 length triumph over Putnams Force. Third prize was earned by Rugged Coast.

Owned by Dooley Boys Racing Stable of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Allbentouttashape is now 4-for-4 this season after going 13-for-16 in his freshman campaign. The pacer is quickly closing in on $100,000 in career earnings.

The other $7,320 “A” divisions went to Mr Salming (1:57.1) and Island Redemption (1:57.1).

The pair of $2,500 “B” divisions went to Benny Rabbit (1:59) and Fit To Ben Tied (2:04.3).

To view Thursday evening’s results, click here.