A bold move in the backstretch turned out to be the winning tactic for driver Lorne House and pacer Kendal Gustav, who rallied for a narrow score in Monday’s $11,000 Horses & Geldings Preferred 2 Handicap at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Kendal Gustav, who was sent off at odds of 7-1, got away fourth for House while Mister X fired through first-half fractions of :28.4 and :59. Track Master made a first-over bid going to the mid-way point, and glued to his cover was the starting up Kendal Gustav. House pulled the trigger on his charge in the backstretch, and Kendal Gustav gained a narrow advantage on the field at the three-quarter pole in 1:28.3. He then used a :29.2 closing panel to hold on for a half-length triumph over race favourite Boomboom Ballykeel. Derby Dylan was third.
Trainer Scott McNiven co-owns the seven-year-old son of Life Sign-City Of Dreams with Tom Brodhurst and Shirley Griffin. The partners watched the gelding for the 34th time in his career. He’s banked more than $234,000 to date.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Western Fair Raceway.