Trainer-driver David McKellar swept the opening leg of the Abbetross A Claiming Series on Friday night with veteran pacers Kg Mattattack and Red Star Governor.
The McKellar-owned Kg Mattattack kicked off the series with a 1:59 score over the sloppy track in the $5,000 opening division.
Firing off the gate from the outside post seven, Kg Mattattack established the early lead over Ronnie Rickles (Scott Knight), but gave way to favourite HF Thanks Will (James Burke), who rolled up from third to take over commmand at the :28.3 first quarter mark. HF Thanks Will carved out middle panels of :58.3 and 1:28.2 while Midnight Destroyer (John Abbott) applied heeavy first over pressure and a from-last Red Star Leroy (Ed Hensley) swung three-wide around the final turn. But Kg Mattattack waited patiently until the top of the stretch and zipped up the passing lane to prevail by two lengths. Ronnie Rickles edged out Red Star Leroy in a photo for second.
The 11-year-old Island Fantasy gelding, also a winner of his last start on Dec. 9, notched his 32nd career victory and paid $12.70 as the 5-1 fifth choice.
Just one race later, stablemate Red Star Governor scored a 1:58.1 triumph for McKellar and owner Sabrina Sine of Langley, B.C.
Prime Time Bliss (Jim Marino) fired off the gate with Red Star Cashflow (Michael Hennessy) rolling up to his side before settling into the two-hole during the :28.2 opening quarter. But as the field raced in front of the grandstand for the first time, Red Star Governor swept up from third to take over command and the favourite led the way to the :58.4 half-mile mark and 1:28 three-quarter station en route to the one and a quarter length triumph. Red Star Cashflow finished second while Segomo (David Hudon) won a photo for show over Prime Time Bliss.
The 10-year-old Presidential Ball gelding paid $4.70 to win for the 28th time in his career.
Both winners were claimed for $4,500 by owner-trainer Rod Therres.
Later on the card, 24-year-old Chris Linford earned his first driving win aboard Therres' Trumpt In Hanover. Linford sent the four-year-old gelding first over from fifth to wear down pacesetter Millbanks Sniper (James Burke) for the 1:59.3 triumph. Procrastinatinpeat (David Hudon) and favourite Ad Scootin Ivy (David McKellar) finished one and a half lengths behind in second and third. He paid $41.10 to win.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.