Favourite Ernesto Delacruz launched from midfield with a quick final quarter to take the $10,500 Preferred 2 Pace on Saturday night (Jan. 21) at Century Mile.
Outlaw Gunsablazin grabbed the lead to a :29 first quarter and faced no pressure to a :57.3 half. The first challenge came from Whiplash Smile circling the final turn, with Ernesto Delacruz moving to catch that cover to three-quarters in 1:26.2. Whiplash Smile retreated off the turn while Ernesto Delacruz revved into gear and fired a :26.4 final quarter to collar Outlaw Gunsablazin by a length in a 1:54.1 mile with Samba Beat rallying for third.
J. F. Gagne owns and trains Ernesto Delacruz, a four-year-old gelding by Vertical Horizon. He drove the gelding to 12th win from 25 starts and added to the gelding’s bankroll now worth $227,738. He paid $4.20 to win.
Brandon Campbell and Dave Kelly both had strong nights. Campbell recorded six driving wins on the 12-race card, winning with GTs Barebottomgirl (1:56.3 winning mile, $2.10 to win), Portaj (1:58.3, $4.90), No Collusion (1:55, $4.30), Wink N Win (1:54.3, $8.40) , Promising Flight (1:57, $4.60) and Metaki (1:56.1, $3.90). Dave Kelly scored a training hat trick, winning with Proud Of My Roots (1:56.3, $3.10), Dialmeup (1:56.3, $4.30) and Tropical Dragon (1:56, $6.10).
To view Saturday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results – Century Mile.