Despite facing challenges throughout the mile, Lexis D J pulled away down the stretch to win the $11,000 Preferred 2 Handicap Trot featured on Sunday's harness racing card at Flamboro Downs.
Driven by Bob McClure, Lexis D J ($7) overtook Spartan Victory with a three-wide Rose Run Oriana taking back to find a seat along the pylons after a contested :28.1 first quarter. The 5-2 third wagering choice then trotted through middle splits of :58.4 and 1:27.4 with Exemplar in pursuit first over. However, Lexis D J kept that challenger at bay and opened up down the stretch for the two-length triumph in 1:58.1. Exemplar finished second and Spartan Victory was third.
Lexis D J now has nine wins in 25 starts this year and over $60,000 in purse earnings. The eight-year-old Amigo Hall gelding, who is a 40-time career winner, is campaigned by trainer and owner Shane Arsenault.
Sophomore trotter Kadabrasnewrecruit ($4.50) beat older foes in the $7,500 Preferred 3, sweeping up from fourth to take the lead past the half-mile mark and then holding off his pursuer, Tornado Tim, for the half-length victory in 1:58 flat. Phil Hudon drove the popular Kadabra gelding, whose four prior wins this year were in the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots program, for the Bob McIntosh stable.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.