David McKellar trainees Lil Dude Starrbuck and Killean Cut Kid swept the top two spots in this week's $12,500 Open Pace at Fraser Downs while the Scott Knight stable's Jan Rich Girl and Itza Free For All finished one-two in the matching top class for fillies and mares on Sunday afternoon.
With James Burke in the sulky, favourite Lil Dude Starrbuck ($4.60) advanced first over from fourth and wore down his pacesetting stablemate Killean Cut Kid and McKellar to win the Open by one and a quarter lengths in 1:53.2. Lizard King and David Hudon rounded out the top three finishers.
The McKellar trainees repeated the feat they achieved in the Open on Boxing Day 2012. Lil Dude Ranch's 12-year-old Threefold gelding now boast 48 wins on his resume and a career bankroll approaching $700,000.
McKellar was also apart of Knight's sweep in the Mares Open as he sent Sunbury Stables' Jans Rich Girl ($4.80) to the lead during the first quarter and never looked back en route to a 1:55.4 three-quarter length score over barn buddy Itza Free For All and Knight. Early leader Millbanks Ariel and David Hudon completed the triactor.
The eight-year-old Camluck mare notched her 33rd career win and pushed his bankroll to more than $288,000.
Sunday's card also featured the second leg of the Miss Onager Claiming Series with a pair of $5,000 divisions going to the Don Ross-trained Chica Caliente ($5.20) and driver Ed Hensley, and the upsetting Taj R Us ($21.20) for driver J.F. Gagne and conditioner Majorie Dumont.
Hall of Fame horseman Keith Clark enjoyed a training triple during the 12-race program with a trio of mares he co-owns, Jennas Pass ($7.90), Succulent ($2.80), and Prairie Illusion ($10.30).
Drivers John Abbott and J.F. Gagne managed to hang onto their horses when they were jostled in their seats during an incident in the final turn of the eighth race, won by Succulent. Spark Won Up, driven by Gagne, broke stride along the pylons and hooked wheels with Abbott's mount Red Hot Ritz. Spark Won Up pulled up while Red Hot Ritz continued into the stretch with Abbott managing to pull himself back upright into the seat.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Fraser Downs.