The trip was extremely tough for Likeavirgin in Thursday’s $14,000 Alliance Series Final at Flamboro Downs, but it wasn’t tough enough to keep him away from the winner’s circle.

The six-year-old son of Always A Virgin-Call Now, who was parked every step of the mile, dug down deep in the late going and drew clear to win by more than a pair of lengths in 1:56 for driver Bob McClure.

The Mike Weller-trained Likeavirgin left hard from Post 7, but he wound up being parked past the quarter pole in :27.3. Micro Force led the way past that marker, and he was still in command with Likeavirgin parked at his flank as the field zipped by the half in :56.3.

Likeavirgin muscled his way to the lead while still racing on the outside of Micro Force at the three-quarter station in 1:26. A :30-second final quarter from Likeavirgin was more than enough for him to defeat race favourite Twin B Shadow, with Micro Force fading late and settling for the show dough.

Sent off at odds of 9-2, Likeavirgin improved his 2016 record to 7-5-2 from 39 trips to the track for owner Susan Woodyatt of Georgetown, Ont. The 23-time winner pushed his lifetime earnings over $110,000 with the victory.

Platoon Seelster took home top honours in the $11,000 Preferred 2 for trotters, and he did so in front-stepping fashion for Team Holliday. The OSS grad shot to the top from Post 1 for driver Ryan Holliday, and together they led the field through fractions of :29, :59 and 1:28.4 before firing home in :29 to win by a head over Euro Classic in 1:57.4. Taking home third prize was Delcrest Massy.

Dave Holliday trains the four-year-old son of Federal Flex-Personal Hanover for Caroline Holliday of Mount Forest and Dennis Hannath of Harriston, Ont. The even-money favourite is now a six-time winner this season and a nine-time winner to date. He’s just $55 shy of bumping his overall bankroll to $300,000.

Summit City Nate turned in a gate-to-wire score of his own in the $7,500 Preferred 3 for trotters, and he did so in upset fashion. Let go at odds of 6-1, Nick Steward rolled the gelding to the top from Post 1 and together they sliced out splits of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:27.1 before stepping home in a :30-second clip to win by a nose over Raising Richard in 1:57.1. Tagging along through the mile and finishing third was Bella Palazzo.

Victor Puddy trains the four-year-old son of Justice Hall-Even Dozen for partners Keith Cassell, Dr. John Tobin and Limco Inc. It was the fifth win of the season for the 14-time winner who is now 5-for-37 this year. He’s banked in excess of $44,000 this year and more than $133,000 to date.

Thursday’s card also featured leg two of the Alliance Series for conditioned claimers on the pace. There were three divisions – each worth $5,400 – and the winners were Cedar Dunes (1:56.1), Let Em Bounce (1:58.1) and Southwind Monty (1:54.3).

To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Flamboro Downs.