A late push in deep stretch earned Azucar a narrow triumph in Thursday’s $7,500 Preferred 3 for trotters at Flamboro Downs.
Bob McClure was in no hurry with Azucar, who got away sixth and watched Waikiki Hanover lead the field through first-half fractions of :28.3 and 1:00. Azucar slipped into the flow and wound up being second over as the field traveled into the back half of the mile.
Race favourite Alacrity came first-over on the way to the half, and he eventually worked his way to the front. Alacrity took the group by the three-quarter marker in 1:30.2, but he couldn’t fend off late pressure from a pair of rivals. Tortola Sunrise edged past the favourite only to be overtaken in the closing strides by Azucar. He posted the half-length win over Tortola Sunrise in 2:02.2. Alacrity faded to finish third.
Martin Lachance trains the five-year-old son of Crazed-Lindy Loves Candy for Jean Brunet of Ottawa, Ont. and Ted Gewertz of New York. The 13-time winner has banked more than $115,000 to date.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Flamboro Downs.