Winning races is something Acceptable Risk has mastered over his career, and the classy veteran boosted his win column thanks to a front-stepping score in Monday’s feature race at Western Fair Raceway

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Acceptable Risk took on seven rivals in the $15,000 Preferred Pace for trainer Dan Morrissey, who gave the catch-driving assignment to Bruce Richardson when programmed driver Trevor Henry booked off.

Richardson hustled the eight-year-old son of Intrepid Seelster-Southernbound Lady to immediate command from Post 4, and he successfully chopped out splits of :28.1, :58.1 and 1:26.4 before using a :29-second final frame en route to the neck decision over Rays Western in 1:55.3. Third prize went to Justalittleluck.

Sent off as the 4-5 favourite, Acceptable Risk won for the eighth time this season and for the 45th time in his career. Dave Morrissey, Daniel McCann and William Woodburn share ownership on the career winner of $661,958.

Monday’s card also featured a $10,000 Preferred-2 for pacers, with top honours going to Blackbird Singing and driver Paul MacKenzie.

The Rob Hummel pupil sat a pocket trip behind Cigar Hall through early fractions of :27.2 and :56.4 before blowing by that foe and opening up a three-length lead at the three-quarter pole in 1:25.3. A :29.3 final quarter sealed the deal for the five-year-old son of Artistic-Maybe Im Amazed, who won by 2-1/2 lengths over race favourite Allamerican Motive in 1:55.1. Arabica grabbed the show dough.

The Shopping Stable of Kitchener, ON owns the 19-time winner who improved his 2011 record to 4-7-4 in 32 starts with the win. The pacer has banked more than $190,000.

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