Outlaw Game On went to battle with odds-on favourite Mercedes from three-eighths and defeated that formidable foe to win the $14,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at Century Downs on Saturday, July 4.

Outlaw Game On was first off the car for Mike Hennessy and headed the field to a :27.4 quarter with Mercedes (Brandon Campbell), shooting for four straight Preferred wins, sitting third. Mercedes revved up as they passed the wire the first time and sped alongside Outlaw Game On, who quickened to the half in :55.2 to park out the challenger. Mercedes pushed to a length advantage as they came onto the backstretch but could not clear Outlaw Game On as the former leader halted his foe’s advance and clawed back to a half-length edge at three-quarters in 1:23. Mercedes fought on around the final turn, with pocket-tripping Hands Off Harry (Nathan Sobey) attacking from the pylons and Mylittle Gingerman (John Vukelich) winding up on the outside. The three pursuers all encroached late but were unable to overhaul Outlaw Game On, who held on for a half-length victory in 1:52.2. A game Mercedes was home second over Mylittle Gingerman.

Outlaw Game On scored his fourth win of the year in 14 starts after hitting the ticket behind Mercedes in his three prior appearances. He has raced exclusively at the Preferred level this season for trainer Rod Hennessy, who partners in ownership with Lorne Duffield of Edmonton, Alta., Five C Stable of Cranbrook, B.C. and Jason Clouston of Okotoks, Alta. The five-year-old son of Smart Shark-Sobia Hanover is 13-for-64 lifetime with $142,805 in earnings. He paid $11 to win.

To view Saturday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Century Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)