Saulsbrook Victor swooped into Kawartha Downs off a victory in the Open II at Batavia Downs and dominated the $7,000 Preferred Handicap Pace on Saturday, Aug. 29.

The eight-year-old gelding was without the company of co-owner and driver Brett MacDonald for the first time since 2023, but he gave Dale Spence an easy pinch-hit at-bat with a coast-to-coast win.

Saulsbrook Victor overcame the post-eight handicap, surging out and climbing past Gypsy Joe (William Roy) to lead to the first quarter in :27. He laid down a snappy second panel to reach the half in :55.2 and separated from the group as he sprinted to three-quarters in 1:22.3. No action was needed from Spence in the stretch as Saulsbrook Victor cruised home a 1:50.4 winner by 5-1/4 lengths. Wilcat Rocky (Ryan Guy) nipped Gypsy Joe late for place.

Saulsbrook Victor’s first career appearance at Kawartha resulted in his seasonal record improving to six-for-20. The son of Source Of Pride-Atlanta Girl has won open-class races at four different tracks this season, including Woodbine Mohawk Park. Ron MacDonald trains the gelding, now 40-for-158 lifetime with $943,946 in earnings, for Brett MacDonald of Freelton, Ont. and Brent MacLennan of Charlottetown, P.E.I. The win price was $4.30.

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

(Standardbred Canada; photo of Saulsbrook Victor winning on Feb. 14)