For the second week in a row Kendal Gustav proved to be a cut above the others thanks to his Tuesday evening triumph in the $11,000 Horses & Geldings Preferred 2 at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
The productive pacer from the Scott McNiven outfit went to the front and didn’t look back en route to his latest triumph. Lorne House hustled Kendal Gustav through fractions of :28.4, 1:00.3 and 1:30.1 over a track rated ‘good’ with a two-second variant before roaring home in :28.4 for the one-length score over For A Bettor Time in 1:59. Third prize was earned by Stoney Durkin.
McNiven shares ownership on the six-year-old son of Life Sign-City Of Dreams with Tom Brodhurst of London and Shirley Griffin of St. Thomas, Ontario. It was the 29th lifetime tally for the gelding who went 11-for-39 last season. He banked more than $61,000 last year and to date has potted in excess of $187,000.
Clic K used the same approach to capturing the $7,000 Horses & Geldings Preferred 3 for the tandem of driver Anthony Haughan and trainer Ben Wallace. The gelding fired to the lead from Post 5 and held that spot through intervals of :28.4, :59 and 1:28.1. A :30.4 closing quarter was more than enough to spring the 7-1 upset over race favourite Major Homer in 1:59. Taking home third prize was Hidden Potential.
Brad Grant of Milton, Ontario owns the seven-year-old son of Shanghai Phil-Eclatante. It was the pacer’s 34th lifetime victory and his share of the loot lifted his lifetime earnings to $336,423.
The winning streak is now five-in-a-row and counting for trotting mare Thunderaway, who halted the teletimer in 2:03.3 despite being parked every step of the way in her $5,200 claiming assignment.
Scott Wray of London, who co-owns the trotter with trainer Patrick Shepherd of Lynden, Ontario, had her out at every call including a three-wide call by the charter at the three-quarter pole. Despite the overland journey, she kicked home in :29.4 to post her 18th lifetime victory.
Since being purchased privately by her current connections, Thunderaway is a perfect 4-for-4. She kicked off her current winning streak back on December 9 for former trainer Ron O’Neill.
To view results for Tuesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Tuesday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.