Leading by five lengths before turning for home, Diggin A Trench had built up just enough separation from his foes to secure this week's victory in the Open Handicap Pace at Marquis Downs.
Diggin A Trench led through early fractions of :28.1 and :57.1 and began to open up on his foes by five into the backstretch on the way past three-quarters in 1:25.1 while favourite Appoggiatura (Clayton Baybrook) advanced alongside Wink N Win (Blake Piwniuk) and took over second-place on the final turn. Diggin A Trench then held off Appoggiatura's late rally down the stretch to prevail by a half-length in 1:56.1.
Gilles Bouvier drove the winner of the $3,000 feature race that opened the Sunday afternoon program. Sent off at even-money, Diggin A Trench paid $4 to win.
Diggin A Trench, who went winless in 19 starts last year, has recorded a pair of wins from four races so far at the Marquis Downs meet for trainer Lance Ward and owner Jaime Ward of Sherwood Park, Alta.
The nine-year-old gelded son of Armbro Trench is now a 15-time winner with $66,286 banked lifetime.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Marquis Downs.