Evenin Of Pleasure, one of the most consistent performers in Ontario over the past two seasons, got his moment in the spotlight on Friday night at The Raceway when he captured the first ever Oktoberfest Classic Invitational Pace.
Leaving from post five in the $50,000 contest, driver Alfie Carroll pointed by the five-year-old son of Dragon Again straight to the front in the seven-horse field and led through a quick opener of :27.3, before stealing an easy second quarter and leading through the half in :56.4.
At that point, race favourite Lets Drink On It moved up to press the pacesetter and the top pair sprinted together past three-quarters in 1:24, with Push Back moving up into contention third.
In the stretch, Evenin Of Pleasure was able to fend off the challenge from both rivals with a :29.2 final quarter to stop the clock in 1:53.2. Lets Drink On It was able to hold on to second over a closing Push Back, who was third.
The victory capped off a big week for Carroll, who was the leading driver at The Raceway last season. He captured the $100,000 Ellamony Pace last Saturday at Flamboro Downs with Sandbetweenurtoes for trainer Richard Moreau, who also conditions Evenin Of Pleasure for owner Gestion J Y Blais Inc. of Montreal, Que.
Evenin of Pleasure was winning for the fourth time this season and pushed his career bankroll to just over $435,000 with the victory.
Racing resumes at The Raceway this Monday evening with a 6:15 p.m. first race post time.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - The Raceway.
(WFD)