Overcoming an outside post was no problem for CheddarBay, as he rocketed to the lead and kept on trucking en route to a sharp tally in Monday’s $13,000 Preferred for horses and geldings at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
In rein to J Harris, CheddarBay powered to the top from the outside post and then laid down fractions of :27 and :57.1. He came under heavy pressure in the third quarter, and actually found himself a half-length behind the parked-out No Plan Intended.
That odds-on favourite hit the three-quarter pole in 1:25.2, but he couldn’t sustain that drive to the line. CheddarBay battled back with a :30.2 closing quarter, which earned him the head decision over No Plan Intended in 1:55.4. Woodmere Rollnpop took home the show dough in the eight-horse affair.
Sent off at odds of 8-1, the seven-year-old son of Betterthancheddar-Mystical Seelster improved his 2023 record to 5-1-1 from 12 attempts for trainer Peter Core. Donald and Heather McGregor of Camlachie, Ont. bred and own the 19-time winner, who upped his bankroll to $232,834 with the win.