Bourbon Seelster ($8.20) was rated just off a spirited pace before blitzing to the fore a quarter mile from home for a second straight win at The Raceway at Western Fair District, capturing Tuesday’s (Jan. 30) featured $10,500 Preferred 2 for distaff pacers.
Despite leaving most strongly from her assigned outside post, the five-year-old Camluck mare was rebuffed by the pair of War Filly (Colin Kelly) and One Over Par (Jody Jamieson), who left from the inside half of the compact field of six. While War Filly asserted on the first turn and tore through an early split of :27.3, Ryan Holliday had eased Bourbon Seelster well off the pace while still in third spot. Bourbon Seelster’s first-over ascent began with just over half the mile remaining, as she was flushed out by Howmacfiesty (J Harris) in mid-division nearing a :57.3 half.
After gaining steadily through the clubhouse turn on the second circuit, Bourbon Seelster took charge with just over a quarter mile remaining, sticking a neck in front of pacesetter War Filly and facing no resistance at all. Bourbon Seelster amassed a four-length lead nearing the home turn, and was kept to task through the end of her 1:57 triumph. She maintained 2-3/4 lengths of clearance over Tilikum (Denis St. Pierre), who rallied steadily down the grandstand side to narrowly beat Howmacfiesty for second. Odds-on favourite One Over Par failed to fire on the far turn after wedging out of a failing pocket.
Robert Manders trains 14-time winner Bourbon Seelster for Scott and Keith Manders.
In the sub-featured $8,500 Preferred 3 for pacing mares, Regal Luck ($4.80) was tested late after controlling the terms, keeping pocket rival Maxim Seelster a head at bay for a 1:58.3 win. Paul MacKenzie drove the eight-year-old daughter of Stonebridge Regal for owner-trainer John Smith, Jr.
To view Tuesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.