After having launched around tiring leaders, Jewels Dragon landed a neck in front on the finish line to take the $11,500 Preferred 2 Handicap Pace at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Tuesday (Jan. 14).
Allstar Seelster set the pace to a :28 first quarter as Yacht Seelster raced parked and uncovered from third. Yacht Seelster crept closer to the pacesetter through a :56.4 half, but began to retreat heading to three-quarters in 1:26.3. Avatar J circled three wide from second over and charged towards Allstar Seelster with Jewels Dragon in tow around the final turn. Through the stretch, Avatar J took a narrow lead until Jewels Dragon jetted past to win in 1:57.2. Levis Day finished third.
A four-year-old gelding by Custard The Dragon, Jewels Dragon won his 12th race in what was his 30th start, and in doing so pushed his earnings to $120,608. Paul MacKenzie steered the $17.60 winner for owner Paul Sanders and trainer Jodie Cullen.
Phoos Girl pulled pocket early and took her competition the rest of the way while winning the $9,400 Fillies and Mares Preferred 3 Pace, which was contested at an added distance and clocked in 2:08.1.
Driver Marc St. Louis Jr. circled Phoos Girl to the lead past a :29.2 first quarter and seated favourite Sodwana Bay into the pocket. Amethyst Seelster pulled first over from fourth approaching the 1:01.1 half and drew closer to the leader by three-quarters in 1:31.3. Phoos Girl maintained command rounding the final turn as Amethyst Seelster stalled into the stretch. Sodwana Bay mounted a late bid, but finished three quarters of a length behind in second. Bourbon Seelster finished third.
Owned by trainer Danielle St. Louis, Phoos Girl won her 27th race in what was her 117th start and pushed her earnings to $165,842. She paid $11.80 to win.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.