The trip was sweet and the end result was even sweeter for Kennel Buddy in Friday’s $11,000 Preferred 2 for trotters at The Raceway at Western Fair District.

The five-year-old son of Ken Warkentin-Bernice Daniece tripped out on cover before accelerating to the lead in the late stages of the mile and drawing clear to win in 2:01.3 for driver Travis Henry.

Henry got away fifth from a trailing post with Kennel Buddy while Cimeronken rolled to the front from Post 2 and threw down fractions of :30, 1:01.4 and 1:31.3. Race favourite Incredable Frank put first-over heat on the leader while Kennel Buddy latched onto that foe’s cover. Henry pulled the trigger on Kennel Buddy going to the three-quarter pole before using a :29.2 closing quarter to win by a length over Cimeronken. Third in the seven-horse affair was Winzel.

It was the second win of the season in five tries for Kennel Buddy, who is owned by Allan Neal of Grand Valley, Ontario. The David Dowling trainee, who is a nine-time winner to date, pushed his lifetime earnings in excess of $140,000 with the victory.

To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.