West Coast Beach sat off a hot early pace and swooped in late to prevail in a Preferred photo finish on Friday night, Nov. 22 at Fraser Downs.
Getting the outside post seven in this week's $10,000 Preferred with one trailer, the streaking West Coast Beach and driver Kelly Hoerdt played it cool early on settling near the back through a contested :26.1 opening quarter in which 3-5 favourite Sunshine Boy (Scott Knight) was able to secure the lead over the 'good' track.
Sunshine Boy continued on top through panels of :54.4 and 1:22.4 with Whiplash Smile (Allan Molloy) parked from the start and still hanging around to make a race of it as they turned for home.
However, West Coast Beach had moved underway down the backstretch into contention second-over and he swung out wide down the stretch with Hoerdt timing it just right to catch the leaders on the line. West Coast Beach prevailed in 1:53 with a game Whiplash Smile nabbing second over Sunshine Boy.
West Coast Beach (Sunshine Beach-Village Janus) is now nine-for-16 on the year and has earned seven of those wins at the Fraser meet, including his last four races. Trainer Rebecca Kanak shares ownership of the seven-year-old gelding with Timothy Gordon of Spruce Grove, Alta.
Despite his recent winning ways, West Coast Beach was let go at odds of 6-1 and rewarded his faithful backers with a $14.60 win payout.
The win was the third on the 10-race card for Hoerdt.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)