The trip was perfect and the end result was sweet in Monday’s $15,000 Preferred feature for Roman Rocks, who turned a second-over trip into a going away victory for driver Nick Steward.
Sleek Hunter drilled his way to the lead from Post 7 and sliced out an opening quarter in :27.4 while Steward was content to get away sixth with Roman Rocks. Sleek Hunter was still in command of the tempo at the half in :59, but co-race favourite Wild Dragon was on first-over march.
Those two battled to the three-quarter pole in 1:28, with Roman Rocks poised to make a late charge from second-over. Sleek Hunter turned for him with the lead, but he was overtaken by Roman Rocks who used a :29.1 closing panel to win by 3-3/4 lengths in 1:57.4. Wild Dragon held on bravely for the runner-up award with third prize going to Royal Outlook.
Sent off as the co-favourite at odds of 2-1, Roman Rocks secured the victory for owner/trainer Marty Adler of Amherstburg, ON. The seven-year-old son of No Pan Intended-Janie Mcpockets, who is a 14-time winner in his career, has put together a 7-5-6 record this season. The $7,500 payday bumped his overall earnings to $187,406.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – The Raceway at the Western Fair District.