Despite losing the lead to Aberforth late in the mile, Ionia landed in the winner’s circle for the $9,400 Preferred 3 Trot going an added distance at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Tuesday, Oct. 30.
Driver J Harris pushed Ionia into third while Avuncular pocketed Nebraska Jack to a :27.1 first quarter. He maintained command unpressured to a :58 half but faced a challenge up the backside when Harris sent the five-year-old Majestic Son mare after the temposetter with Aberforth on cover towards three-quarters in 1:28.3. Aberforth fanned off cover into the stretch and slid past Ionia heading to the finish, but went on a gallop under the wire.
For a lapped-on break at the finish, the stewards disqualified Aberforth to second and placed Ionia first. Donato Lane kicked from fourth over for third in the 2:05.1 mile-and-a-sixteenth affair.
Owned by Joseph Shaw and Jay Kressler, Ionia won her ninth race in 38 starts this season and her 27th in 127 overall, earning $166,433. Bill Shaw trains the $18.90 winner.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.