Bucktober was ready to roll in January, leading every step of the way to triumph in the $11,000 Preferred Trot, which highlighted the Tuesday, Jan. 7 card at The Raceway at Western Fair District.

Protecting his rail starting position, Bucktober and driver Tyler Borth were intent on the lead from the outset, prevailing in a three-wide battle on the opening turn to the inside of Insanity (Jason Ryan) and Southwind Domino (Daryl Thiessen). Seating the two challengers to the quarter in :29, Bucktober slowed the tempo down to the half in 1:00.2. Even-money favourite Southwind Domino was back out from third, trotting first-over and to the leader's wheel at three-quarters in 1:31 while Treasured Tee (Samuel Fillion) moved three-wide from second-over.

Just over a length in front, Bucktober turned for home with the lead while challengers fanned out five-wide behind him. Pocket-sitter Insanity gave chase in the lane, but could not track down Bucktober as he crossed the wire 1-1/4 lengths clear in 2:02. Lass Shot (Garrett Rooney) closed from sixth at the top of the stretch to rally for the third position. 

Tyler Borth co-owns Bucktober along with William Borth and Karen Hossack. Trained by Katie MacNeil, the six-year-old gelded son of Flanagan Memory-Armbro Equinox is now a 27-time winner for his career, banking $172,158 in lifetime earnings.

Bucktober paid $14.10 to win at the betting windows for the victory. 

To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results - The Raceway at Western Fair District.

(Standardbred Canada)