After pulling off a wire-to-wire score in Sudbury Downs’ $11,000 Not Listed Preferred Pace over a sloppy track one week ago, veteran pacer Lombo Skyrider A returned to the Chelmsford, Ont. half-miler Wednesday evening to capture this week’s edition in similar style, but in much
better conditions.
Over a fast track, the 11-year-old son of Panorama-Decethree Lombo and trainer/driver Don Gillis, Jr. fired off the gate from Post 4 and reached the first quarter mark in :28.1 with a four length advantage on the field. The 5-1 third choice rolled past the remaining stations of :58 and 1:27.2. During the middle panels, Sjs Nitelife (Wayne MacLean) tipped to the outside from fourth and closed the pacesetter’s lead to a length, but was unable to get any closer. Heading into the stretch, Lombo Skyrider A dug in to hold off the pocket-sitter and favourite, Rush Rules (Gerry Belanger), by a head in 1:56.4. Sjs Nitelife finished four lengths back in third.
Lombo Skyrider A notched his third consecutive victory and ninth of the season in 33 starts. The lion’s share of the purse pushed the gelding's 2009 earnings to over $71,000 for owner John Bianco of Bolton, Ont. Lifetime, Lombo Skyrider A has recorded 46 victories and $652,984 in purse earnings.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click here.