The featured race on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Flamboro Downs was the $12,000 Preferred Trot, where Marvin Hagler was victorious for trainer Mark MacQuarrie and driver Austin Sorrie.
Things took an unexpected turn in the first bend when the 1-5 favourite, Tuscan Prince (Paul MacKenzie), broke stride. This left R Royal Port (Travis Henry) to cut the mile, giving Marvin Hagler a comfortable trip in the pocket. With opening fractions of :27.4 for the first quarter, :58 to the half, and 1:26.4 to the three-quarter mark, R Royal Port appeared to have things well in hand, facing no serious challenges through much of the mile. As the field turned for home, the leader appeared to be running out of steam. Marvin Hagler surged up the passing lane with Southwind Domino (Daryl Thiessen) making a strong bid from the outside. The race came down to the wire, with just a nose separating the top two. In the end, it was Marvin Hagler who crossed the finish line first, clocking a winning time of 1:57.
The victory marked Marvin Hagler's ninth win in his 30 starts this season, lifting his bankroll to $193,272. The five-year-old son of Crazed and Showmeyourmuscles is owned by Mary Peddon in partnership with trainer Mark MacQuarrie. He paid $10.30 to win.
Live harness racing resumes at Flamboro Downs on Sunday, Nov. 24 with a 6:55 p.m. post time.
To view the results from Saturday's card of harness racing at Flamboro Downs, click the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)