Veteran pacer Lil Dude Starrbuck earned his third consecutive victory with a front-stepping effort in the featured $12,500 Open Pace on Saturday night at Fraser Downs.
Lil Dude Starrbuck, driven by James Burke for trainer David McKellar, cleared to command after the :27.4 opening quarter mark ahead of favourite Beach Boy Toy (Jim Marino) and cruised past middle splits of :57.2 and 1:26 en route to a one and three-quarter length victory in 1:54.3. Beach Boy Toy followed in second while the winner's stablemate, Western Nitro (McKellar), edged out Marlin Hanover (Scott Knight) and Gramrun Jake (Tim Brown) for third over four lengths behind.
Lil Dude Starrbuck paid $9.80 to win as the third choice.
The 11-year-old son of Threefold notched his 45th career win and pushed his bankroll to $668,985 for owner Lil Dude Ranch of Surrey, B.C.
Making his Fraser Downs debut, trainer Steven Hudon earned his first career win on Saturday night with his seventh starter Red Star Governor.
In the eighth race for $6,500 claimers, driver Rod Therres worked out a perfect pocket trip for the nine-year-old Presidential Ball gelding, who pulled off a 16-1 upset over favourite Just Plug It In (Jim Marino) in 1:55.4 fresh off the claim.
Red Star Governor was claimed for $4,500 on Sept. 29 by his 22-year-old Surrey, B.C. conditioner.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Fraser Downs.