Off back-to-back wins at the Preferred 3 level at The Raceway at Western Fair District, Pembrook Legacy N stepped up to the $13,000 Preferred 2 and posted a near gate-to-wire score to take the Tuesday (Jan. 4) feature.
Trainer-driver Lorne House circled Pembrook Legacy N to the point past a :27.2 first quarter, pocketing early leader Outlawgrabbingears. On the point, he snagged a breather to a :58.2 half, but slowed the pace enough to prompt odds-on choice Sportsline to attempt a first-over blitz for the front. Pembrook Legacy N responded to the challenge and accelerated into the backstretch, clinging to command by a neck by three-quarters in 1:26.1 and riding his inside advantage around the final turn. Sportsline gave way into the lane while Pembrook Legacy N coasted to the line 1-1/4 lengths ahead of late-closing Icy Blue Scooter. His stablemate Outlawgrabbingears settled for third and Hes Got Swagger took fourth.
A nine-year-old gelding by Bettors Delight, Pembrook Legacy N has won 11 races from 46 starts, earning $86,938. Sam Taylor owns the $12.70 winner.
Homey Joe jetted off a pocket trip to land a head decision in the evening’s co-feature, the $10,000 Preferred 3 Pace. Leaving from the pylon post, the eight-year-old Hes Gorgeous stallion stalked a clip of :28.4, :58.3 and 1:27.2 set by Jewels Dragon before launching his bid for victory straightening for the finish. Through the stretch, Homey Joe hustled after Jewels Dragon to recoup two lengths and win narrowly in a 1:56.3 mile. J J Powerball rallied to finish third another three lengths behind the top two with 3-2 favourite Racemup going a wide trip to take fourth.
Co-owned by trainer Mark MacQuarrie with Angus Mac Quarrie, Homey Joe won his 20th race from 115 starts, pushing his earnings to $199,106. Tyler Borth drove the $5.80 winner.
Early in the evening, a mid-race accident prompted the fourth race on the card to be declared a no contest. After the half, Royal Double – racing first over – attempted to leap over some horse manure sitting on the track but stumbled in doing so, falling to the ground. E L Wild Sport, racing second over, could not avoid the fall and also went down. Trot Insider learned that both horses exited the accident, with only Royal Double suffering a couple of scrapes. Emergency medical services also cleared drivers Colin Kelly and Scott Wray and both drivers went to complete their drives on the evening.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.