The race office staff at Western Fair Raceway treated its racing fans to a rock solid Monday program which featured no fewer than four Preferred events
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Trevor Henry mapped out a perfect second-over trip for Dashing Earl in the co-featured $13,500 Preferred Trot, and the Paul Taylor-trained four-year-old son of Earl didn’t let it go to waste. A 31-second final frame was more than enough for the square-gaiter to pull off the 8-1 upset in 2:01 over Son Of Paige and Twin B Excalibur.
Robert Key of Leechburg, PA bred and owns the six-time winner, who was making his 2010 debut. He went 3-for-28 last season while banking more than $112,000. He has earned in excess of $178,000 to date.
The co-featured $13,500 Preferred Pace went to Compass Connection, who made a first-over bid and drew off to win in 1:56.4 for the tandem of driver Donnie Rankin, Jr. and trainer Richard Moreau. The eight-year-old son of Village Connection was more than a length better than runner-up Bigmizndrstnding and third-place finisher Ghost Hunter.
Sent off as the 6-5 favourite in the eight-horse affair, Compass Connection notched his first win of the season for Moreau and partner Keith Cassell of Smiths Falls, Ont. The 35-time winner is on the verge of surpassing $400,000 in career earnings.
The biggest upset of the afternoon occurred in the third race when Oakley Seelster rallied to win by three-quarters of a length in the $10,000 Preferred-2 Pace. Bruce Richardson swung the John Kennedy-trained six-year-old son of Western Maverick off cover at the head of the lane and guided the gelding to the 1:58.1 score at odds of 15-1. Mr Excellent was next best and P J Lucky rounded out the top three.
Kennedy shares ownership on the 22-timew winner with Clayton Walmsely of Walkerton, Ont. The pacer, who went 7-for-37 last season, has stashed away $215,486 in his career.
The pole position came in quite handy for veteran campaigner Southwind Califon, who went gate-to-wire in the $10,000 Preferred-2 Trot. Doug McNair chopped out splits of :29.1, 1:01.1 and 1:32.3 with the 10-year-old son of Dancers Victory before tacking on a 30-second final frame en route to the 2:02.3 victory. Fa Mulan stalked the leader throughout and held on for second while Deputy Dylan settled for third after going first-over in the final half of the contest.
Sent off as the 2-1 choice in the eight-horse affair, Southwind Califon registered the 30th win of his career. Bossence shares ownership on the career winner of $460,779 with partners Doug Woodhouse and Derek Reid.
To view Monday’s results, click here.