The Western Fair Raceway faithful liked what they saw on paper when it came to Ruff Me Up in Monday’s $15,000 Preferred Pace, and the even-money favourite looked even better to his backers when he crossed the line
on top in an impressive clocking of 1:55.3.
Driven by Alfie Carroll for trainer Joe Cirasuola, Ruff Me Up shot to immediate command from his pole position perch and after slicing out splits of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:26.4 the eight-year-old gelding stormed home in :28.4 to win by a one-length margin over Part Shark. Acceptable Risk tagged along to finish third.
The son of Real Artist-April Ruffles, who is owned by Shirley Halas of Northville, MI, won for the 17th time in his career while boosting his lifetime earnings to $180,166.
One race earlier in the $11,000 Preferred-2 for pacers it was Justalittleluck who scored in front-stepping fashion in a time of 1:56.2 for the duo of driver Scott Young and trainer Kim Bakker.
The six-year-old son of Northern Luck-Sunnie Corleone whacked out fractions of :28, :57.4 and 1:26.4 before using a :29.3 closing frame to win by three lengths over Deuces And Jacks. Third prize went to Stonehouse Adam.
The gelding notched the 20th win of his career for owner/breeder Martin O’Toole of London, ON. The $5,500 payday lifted his lifetime earnings to $162,423.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Western Fair Raceway.