The 11-year-old Shanghai Phil gelding Champagne Phil fired off a pocket ride to secure a trip to the winner’s circle in the $10,000 Horses & Geldings Preferred 3 Pace on Tuesday (Nov. 16) at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Driver Natasha Day settled the Kenneth Oliver trainee behind pacesetter JKNR Liketell, who set an uncontested clip of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:27. Jaydens Place attempted a first-over bid out of fourth passing the half, but stalled up the backside with Homey Joe in tow from second over.
JKNR Liketell cruised around the final turn while Champagne Phil continued to loom on his back. And once around the corner, Champagne Phil charged after JKNR Liketell and powered through to a half-length victory over the favourite in 1:56. Homey Joe rallied for third, another four lengths behind, while Mo Bettor took fourth.
Owned by ICR Racing, Champagne Phil won his sixth race from 21 starts this season and his 49th from 246 overall, pushing his earnings to $632,651. He paid $10.70 to win.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.