Franks Angel ($7.60) took full advantage of a pocket ride to kick off his five-year-old season on a winning note, wedging off the pegs at the eighth pole and narrowly collaring pacesetter Scene A Magician to capture Friday's (Jan. 7) $10,000 Preferred 3 Trot at The Raceway at the Western Fair District.
Despite sub-zero temperatures and snowy conditions, Scene A Magician set spritely early sectionals, sprinting forward from the pole to seat Franks Angel and driver Jason Ryan in the pocket through a :28 first quarter before rating a :58.4 half. Franks Angel benefitted from his drafting trip through the third quarter, as 6-5 favourite Esquire sustained a first-over push into Scene A Magician past three-quarters in 1:27.4 before levelling off around the home turn.
Cornering for home, Ryan found room to wedge Franks Angel out of traffic, and the Archangel gelding lifted to just nab Scene A Magician by a head in 1:58.1. Goaltender, another four lengths in arrears, saved third off stalled cover.
Dagfin Henriksen trains 12-time winner Franks Angel for Dr. Michael Venneri.
To view Friday's complete results, click the following link: Friday Results – The Raceway at the Western Fair District.