Ryan Clements picked up his maiden-breaking victory as a driver, scoring in the first of two divisions for the Billings Amateur Series at Flamboro Downs on a Sunday, Oct. 13 card that was cut short after six races due to deteriorating track conditions from rainfall. 

Clements picked up the drive on 3-5 favourite Choreographer for trainer Scott West in the $8,000 claiming pace. Leaving from post three, Clements put Choreographer right on the engine early, racing through the raindrops to lead the field of nine to the quarter in :28.2. The field splashed to the half in :58.1 before Choreographer opened up on the way to three-quarters, leading to that station 2-1/2 lengths clear of Macho Polo (Julie Walker) in 1:28.1. Turning for home two lengths clear, Choreographer coasted home a winner with Clements sitting chilly in the bike, reaching the line 1-1/4 lengths in front of Macho Polo in 1:58.4. ABC and Robert Ciavardini finished third.

Making just his eighth start in his rookie season of driving, Clements has hit the board in half of his outings this year, batting at a .277 UDRS.

In the second $8,000 Billings division for filly and mare $8,000 claimers, Anthony Verruso and Cove Beach went gate-to-wire in 2:02.2 as the 2-1 favourites over Keepitinperspctive (Daniel St. Pierre) and Rambaran Rose (Nello Guglielmi).

The final race prior to the weather cancellation was the first division of the first leg of the Autumn Series. Going for a purse of $8,500, the race was contested for Ontario-sired two- and three-year old fillies who were non-winners of $10,000 lifetime as of Sept. 30.

Roll The Bet and driver Austin Sorrie secured the victory as the 1-5 choice, moving first-over at the quarter before getting the best of Red Trans Am (Jason Ryan) in a third quarter speed duel, drawing away by six lengths on the wire in 2:01.1. Freed From Desire (Anthony Haughan) rallied past Red Trans Am for place. 

Owned and trained by Rachel Andrew, the three-year-old daughter of All Bets Off-Honor Roll has won three of six in 2024, banking $14,080 lifetime.

Racing was cancelled following the sixth race with the drivers recommending it best to forego the rest of the card as explained by Flamboro GM Chad Gates.

"The drivers at Flamboro Downs met after Race 6 and have collectively recommended that the remainder of tonight’s card be cancelled due to the amount of rain we have received throughout the evening and the effect it has had on the racing surface."

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)