For the third time in their last five starts, Absolut Seelster ($3.30) and driver Scott Young had all the answers, wiring their six foes in Wednesday's (Jan. 8) featured $11,500 Preferred 2 Trot at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
The seven-year-old Angus Hall mare left mildly from the pole and yielded to Pound Sterling (Robert Shepherd) at race's outset before brushing to the lead a furlong in. After controlling early splits of :28.4 and :59.4, Absolut Seelster faced a first-over challenge from Gemini Eddie (Alfie Carroll), who angled out from fourth and gained steadily up the backstretch to nudge Absolut Seelster through a slightly faster :29.2 third sectional.
Absolut Seelster had no trouble shrugging off her outside rival, and she had ample trot remaining to evade Pound Sterling — who found room to vacate the pocket off the home turn — by a measured 1-1/4 lengths in 1:59.2. Power And Grace (Brett MacDoonald) circled stalled cover into the far turn and chased for third.
Benoit Baillargeon 32-time winner Absolut Seelster for Thomas and Elizabeth Rankin
In the sub-featured $8,500 Preferred 3 Trot, Azucar ($15.50) rode the pocket to a mild 6-1 upset, defeating pacesetter Scene A Magician and Ionia in 1:58.2 under Colin Kelly. Trainer Martin Lachance co-owns the eight-year-old Crazed gelding, who is now a 30-time winner, with Marielle Enberg.
To view Wednesday's complete results, click the following link: Wednesday Results - The Raceway at Western Fair District.