Driver Nick Steward was red-hot on Sunday (Oct. 13) at Leamington Raceway, scoring five driving victories on the afternoon including a gate-to-wire victory in the $5,200 Preferred 4 Trot which highlighted the 10-race card.
Having already steered two winners on the card prior to the feature with Psycho Itch ($10.60, 2:01.3) and Pampiamento ($6.30, 1:59.2), Steward got the call on Duke Deo who left from the rail in the field of six at 6-1.
Steward protected that rail position entering the first turn, quickly grabbing the lead and forcing Jooner (Robert Doyle) to settle for the pocket through a first quarter of :29.1. Reaching the halfway point in 1:01.1, Duke Deo remained loose on the lead to three-quarters in 1:31.1 as Jooner was joined in second by Petro Angel (Scott Wray).
Turning for home still two lengths clear, Duke Deo coasted to the wire, maintaining that same advantage to the wire, stopping the clock in 2:01.3. Petro Angel finished second, Jooner held for third.
Michael Hamlin trains and owns the five-year-old gelded son of Trixton-Doris Deo who has won six of 36 on the season and sports $83,500 in career earnings.
Steward proceeded to sweep the late double en route to his five victories, picking up additional scores with Monteverdi ($3.20, 2:02.2) before blowing up the toteboard in the finale with 47-1 shot Full Race Cam who paid $96.70 for the victory.
Live harness racing continues next Sunday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m., when Leamington Raceway will host Fan Appreciation Day with contests, giveaways and exclusive fan experiences including the Virtual Harness Race Driving Experience, presented by the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Leamington Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)