American Risk, winner of Friday's featured finale, put the exclamation mark on a multiple-win night for Truro Raceway's leading trainer George Rennison and driver Andy Campbell.
In the $2,500 Winners Over Handicap Pace, American Risk raced three-wide into the first turn before taking a tuck in third as Hes Sure Good (Robert Laffin) pressed on between foes to claim the top spot over insider Brumby (Darren Crowe). Hes Sure Good hit the quarter in :27.4 after the early tussle then backed down the pace to the half in :57.3 with the five-horse field following in single-file fashion.
As the pacers headed into the backstretch, American Risk was flushed first-up with slight favourite Like A Glove (Marc Whebby) on the move from the back of the pack. The Rennison trainee took over command at the 1:28 third quarter mark for Campbell with Like A Glove hot on his heels and Bettor On Than Off (Jamie Ramsay) tracking the cover. Like A Glove kept on coming as they turned for home, but the 6-5 favourite came up a half-length short as American Risk held on for the 1:56.4 victory, with Bettor On Than Off rallying three-across in third.
Following the race, a driver's objection from Whebby on the winner was overruled by the judges. American Risk returned $5.10 to win and $2.50 to place as the 3-2 second choice. There was no show wagering.
American Risk earned his eighth win of the season from 19 starts for the local Risky Bizz Group. The eight-year-old son of American Ideal now boasts 42 victories lifetime.
Rennison's stable was hot right out of the gate, winning the first two races of the night. Kicking off the card, the maiden-breaking two-year-old Marc It Up ($8.40) and sophomore pacer Lovemattersmost ($3.10) were both driven by Campbell, who then drove his own homebred three-year-old filly Waterford Girl ($4.30) to victory in the third race. Campbell and Rennison teamed up again for another win in the seventh race with eight-year-old pacer Privilege ($3.50) before American Risk's triumph in the ninth race finale.
In addition to Rennison's four wins, his other two starters on Friday both hit the board. The Truro horseman is in the midst of a career year with his stable earning more than $125,000 in purses -- just the second time he's breeched the $100,000 mark. His first six-figure campaign was in 2022 when he recorded 58 wins. He currently sits just a dozen off that career-high win count. Of his 46 wins this year, he's earned 25 at Truro Raceway and is looking for his 10th straight training title at the track.
Campbell's five Friday driving wins brought his career count to 81.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Truro Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)