Midnight marked the beginning of the 2019 harness racing season and Fraser Downs on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 1 hosted the first North American race of the year: a $5,800 maiden pace. Favourite Thankyaverymuch rode the rail for most of the mile before surging to a length and a half victory in 2:00.2.
Away third, the three-year-old Betterthancheddar gelding sat four lengths off pacesetter Sea Mystic as she paced to the first quarter in :28.4. The quintet continued in single-file fashion through a :59 half and past three-quarters in 1:29.
Rounding the final turn horses began to mount their charge for the leader as Fast Lane Jack tipped first over with Thankyaverymuch on cover and Western Terrorist waiting for the passing lane. Pacing four-across to the wire, Thankyaverymuch surged quickest of all and slid to victory with Fast Lane Jack second, Sea Mystic third and Western Terrorist fourth.
Owned, trained and driven by Rod Therres, Thankyaverymuch remains undefeated from one start this season and also broke his maiden with his third start, earning $2,900. He paid $5.50 to win.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Fraser Downs.