Even-money favourite Toot Toot N took his competition wire to wire when winning the $11,500 Preferred 2 Pace at Flamboro Downs in 1:52.4 on Sunday, Nov. 18 at Flamboro Downs.
Owned by driver Ed Hensley and trainer Ashleigh Hensley, the seven-year-old gelding by Gotta Go Cullen pushed for the top from post one heading to a :27.3 opening quarter. By the half in :56.4, the one challenge for the lead came from Print Media pulling off the rail from third passing three-quarters in 1:25.1 but his bid for the lead was brief as the race turned into a final-quarter sprint. Toot Toot N kicked to a three-length lead nearing the wire while pocket-sitter Imsporty finished second three-lengths back. Brocks Fortune took third.
Toot Toot N, winning his 11th race in 38 starts this season and his 17th in 79 overall, has earned $109,645 in his career. He paid $4.00 to win.
Leading early but settling for the pocket, Highlandbeachycove blitzed the leader Champagne Phil in the lane to nose out the leader at the wire in the $8,500 Preferred 3 Pace.
The five-year-old Somebeachsomewhere stallion swept to the lead before a :28 opening quarter with Champagne Phil securing the pocket. Champagne Phil soon pulled off the cones and circled to the top heading to a :56.3 half and continuing to lead through a 1:25.1 third quarter.
Driver Travis Cullen angled the Jodie Cullen trainee out of the pocket into the stretch and gradually edged towards the lead approaching the finish. Champagne Phil settled for second while Validus Deo, tracking the two leaders throughout, finished three-quarter lengths off the winner in third.
Owned by Travis and Ronald Cullen and Keith Hannah, Highlandbeachycove won his third race in 18 starts this season and his 15th in 69 overall while surpassing the $200,000 plateau in career earnings. He paid $9.70 to win.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.