Despite being ignored at 17-1, Waitin Ona River ($36.30) had the winning hand in Wednesday's (Oct. 20) $10,000 Open Handicap Pace at Fraser Downs, riding the pocket to a 1:53.4 score.
Kevin Anderson, who owns and trains the nine-year-old JK Royal Flush gelding, positioned him in the pocket behind 34-1 pacesetter Mt Sterling Mafia (Scott Knight) and drafted comfortably through splits of :26.4, :57 and 1:25.1. After the pressure intensified on Mt Sterling Mafia in the form of the first-over Armycaptin Hanover (Kelly Hoerdt) on the far turn, Anderson dove to the open stretch with Waitin Ona River, and he accelerated to a half-length victory. Armycaptin Hanover finished second; Dontpokethedragon (Brandon Campbell) fanned three-wide to save third as the 1-4 favourite. The engulfed Mt Sterling Mafia and Mach Steady completed the five-horse field.
Waitin Ona River earned the 18th win of his career and his second in four starts at the current Fraser Downs meeting.
To view Wednesday's complete results, click the following link: Wednesday Results – Fraser Downs.