General Custard led the charge every step of the way in Saturday's (Dec. 21) $12,500 Preferred Pace at Century Mile. Meanwhile, the track's top-dog in the trainer standings, Travis Ellis, conditioned a trio of winners on the nine-race card.

Sent off at 5-1 from the rail in the night's feature, General Custard and driver David Kelly sprinted off the wings of the gate to grab command of the quintet, two lengths clear at the quarter pole in :28.2. General Custard had things his way to the half in :57 before 1-2 favourite Mercedes (Jean Francois Gagne) came calling first-over and to the outside of the leader at three-quarters in 1:26.1.

General Custard cut the corner turning for home, putting separation between himself and the favourite at the top of the lane. Mercedes has one more rally in him, closing once more in deep-stretch, but could not reach General Custard who crossed the wire first by a half-length in 1:54. Matts A Mystician (Nathan Sobey) rallied for the show spot.

Kelly also trains General Custard, who has won five of 28 in 2024, racking up $43,076 in seasonal earnings. Owned by Pick 6 Stable, the victory was the 10th in the career of the four-year-old gelded son of Custard The Dragon-Grinandchaseit who sports a career bankroll of $168,579.

Leading Trainer Travis Ellis extended his lead in the standings, getting three winners home on the night. Nathan Sobey got Chaseisonthecase ($4.30, 1:55) and Trust Me Alot ($2.40, 1:57.1) home for Ellis before Kelly Hoerdt completed the triple aboard Outlawfoxysmiracle ($5.50, 1:58.4).

Another reinsman remained busy on the night, as Santa Claus foiled The Grinch once more in a race to save Christmas at Century Mile, getting a tightener as he preps the big night next week. 

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Century Mile.

(Standardbred Canada)