Swooping to the lead heading to the final turn, The Joy Luck Club scooted to a two-length victory in the $10,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 2 Pace at Flamboro Downs on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Driver Mike Horner positioned the Mark Horner trainee fourth to a :28.1 quarter set by Twice An Angel. But as the tempo slowed to the half, Horner angled the four-year-old Camluck mare first over prior to a :58.1 midpoint set by new leader Casino Classic.
The Joy Luck Club brushed to the lead into the backstretch, leaving favourite Ride Away Shark uncovered and pressuring the pacesetter a half-length off the top past three-quarters in 1:26.2. Ride Away Shark chased rounding the final turn as The Joy Luck Club opened her lead through the lane to stop the clock in 1:55. Casino Classic took second from Ride Away Shark third.
Owned by Mark Horner, R A W Equine Inc. and Gregg McNair, The Joy Luck Club won her third race from 22 starts this season and her 17th in 54th overall, earning $415,467. She paid $5.70 to win.
Favourite Bourbon Seelster prevailed in the $8,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 3 co-feature with a 1:56.1 three-quarter length victory. The five-year-old mare by Camluck took command and led splits of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:27.2. Withstanding first-over pressure from Dreamfair Eternity into the final turn, the Robert Manders trainee maintained control to the wire over Outlaw Imahotvixen and Dreamfair Eternity in third.
Winning her sixth race in 22 starts this season and her 18th from 57 overall, Bourbon Seelster competes for owners Scott and Keith Manders. Scott Coulter steered the $4.80 winner as she eclipsed the $200,000 career-earning mark.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.