West Coast Beach was up front early and pounced from the pocket late to add his name to the list of Preferred winners at the Fraser Downs fall meet, taking this week's edition of the $10,000 top class on Friday, Nov. 1.
With Kelly Hoerdt catch-driving, West Coast Beach forged to the front from post four through a :27 first quarter over the 'good' track but gave way to 1-2 favourite Sunshine Boy, a winner two weeks ago who quickly opened up three lengths on top at the half in :55.4 for Dave Hudon. West Coast Beach closed the gap down the backstretch to three-quarters in 1:23.4 before pocket-popping as they turned into the stretch and easily retook command, winning in 1:53.1 by a widening 2-3/4 lengths. Waitin Ona River, the longest shot on the board at 16-1, chased the winner home in second for Kevin Anderson while Rum N Raisins was a ground-saving third over the fading favourite.
West Coast Beach paid $6 to win and $5.50 to place as the 2-1 second choice in the field that was reduced to five with recent Preferred winners Itll Be Fine and Whiplash Smile scratched sick. There was no show wagering.
Owned by trainer Rebecca Kanak and Timothy Gordon, the seven-year-old Sunshine Beach-Village Janus gelding has now won five of his eight starts at the Fraser meet. Winning for the 30th time in his career, West Coast Beach's earnings went over the $200,000 mark.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)