With early speedster Betterthanbutter melting down the backstretch, Eastcoast Invader popped the pocket and went on by to take the top class at Inverness Raceway on Sunday afternoon (July 24).

Even-money favourite Betterthanbutter and driver Zach Mullins chased the gate away in the $1,700 featured finale from post four and was up by five lengths through a sizzling quarter in :27.3.  Meanwhile, Eastcoast Invader got away second from the inside starting spot for Travis MacLean and caught up with in the runaway leader after a :57 half. As Betterthanbutter got leg-weary approaching three-quarters in 1:27.4, Eastcoast Invader swept around the tiring pacesetter and went on to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:58.1. Windemere Best Man (Redmond Doucet) and R Es Aiden (Rod Gills) followed in second and third, respectively, as Betterthanbutter faded to fourth.

Eastcoast Invader, who was up in class as he notched his first win of the season after a string of top three finishes, returned $8.30 to his backers at the betting windows. The victory was his first this year from nine races and his 11th successful start lifetime.

Trainer Monica Sutherland and breeder Todd Sutherland share ownership of the five-year-old Rollwithitharry-Manhattan Delight gelding.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Inverness Raceway.