Da Magician, who had been dominant in Fraser Downs’ Open Pace over the past few weeks, was assigned Post 7 for the $12,000 clash on Sunday (Jan. 6). He raced from the back of the pack early in the dash, which left the contest open for someone to step up and upset the apple cart. It was a 23-1 shot that decided to do just that.
The Travis Bowman-driven and Ann Copley-trained Buddys Hope was the longshot that made the most of the situation. The nine-year-old gelded son of Western Ideal worked out a golden trip and had the late pace to put smiles on the faces of his supporters.
The field of seven raced in post position order through the :27.4 opening quarter and :56.3 opening half. Rail starter Buddy Weiser (who was driven by Rod Therres) sliced the opening fractions while Buddys Hope was right in tow from second. Da Magician, who was sent postward as the public’s 8-5 second choice, tipped out wide from his stalking position as the field began its journey into the back half of the mile.
Da Magician’s overland advance had flushed the Paul Davies-driven Sabine Pass out from fifth. Sabine Pass made a steady advance on the front end through the third panel. The attacker was up and challenging in second as Buddy Weiser (who was the post-time favourite) clicked off three quarters in 1:24.4.
Da Magician loomed large in the final panel. He raced wide in his quest for the wire. Buddy Weiser was game on the way home as well, though, as he dug into the stretch and did what he could to hold off the closers to his right.
With hindsight being 20/20, though, it was a foe to Buddy Weiser’s left that needed the most attention.
Buddys Hope, after having received a garden trip, steadily advanced along the pylons in deep stretch and made a real push for the wire in the final strides. He made a real case for himself in the final moments of the dash, which, in turn, required the analysis of the photo-finish shot.
After a quick review of the photo, Buddys Hope ($48.20) was declared the winner of the $12,000 Open, which was an outcome much to pleasure of his Langley, BC owner, Mayna Hanos.
Buddy Weiser rounded out the $97.20 exactor and Da Magician completed the $121.05 triactor.
The victory was the 34th of Buddys Hope’s 202-race career and the first of his 2019 campaign. The bay raced 26 times last year as an eight-year-old, a season in which he won six of his starts and banked $37,322. Buddys Hope has now earned $211,769 in career purses.
To view the harness racing results for Sunday at Fraser, click the following link: Sunday Results – Fraser Downs.