Lefkada ($3.10) braved a first-over grind to narrowly prevail in Wednesday's (Oct. 7) featured Preferred 3 Trot at The Raceway at the Western Fair District, which raised the curtain for its extended 2020-21 meeting after last hosting live harness racing in March.
After stalking patiently in midfield through a :58.2 half mile, Lefkada her first-over ascent through the second circuit after being angled out from fifth by driver Scott Wray. The four-year-old E L Titan mare nudged pacesetter Willyorwonthe (Colin Kelly) along past three-quarters in 1:29.4 and through the far turn, and worked to the lead in mid-stretch — but not without another threat looming. Scene A Magician (Greg Dustin) — who had stalked Lefkada's cover throughout the second circuit — lifted down the grandstand side after riding live cover, but just missed Lefkada by a head at the end of the 1-1/16-mile journey, which was clocked in 2:08.3. Willyorwonthe finished third, but was only defeated by a neck.
Trainer Jack Wray co-owns eight-time winner Lefkada with Thomas Wray and Peter Charlton.
A total of $396,101 was wagered on the 12-race card, including $11,066 on the new one-dollar Pick-5, which comprises the first five races on the program. Racing continues at Western Fair on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6:15 p.m. throughout the meet, which is scheduled to continue through May 2021.
To view the full results from the Opening Night card, click the following link: Wednesday Results – The Raceway at the Western Fair District.