The five-year-old Sportswriter stallion Sportsline overcame an outer draw to land a slim victory in the $13,000 Horse & Geldings Preferred 2 Pace at Flamboro Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 24).
Driver Colin Kelly floated Sportsline off the wings from post 7 to sit fifth while pylon-starter Ideal Perception pushed for the front to a :27.1 opening quarter. Odds-on favourite Captainofrocknroll settled into the pocket and stayed put as Ideal Perception maintained his speed to a :55.2 half.
Ideal Perception continued to cruise into the backstretch as Kelly angled Sportsline off the pylons and attempted to gain on the pacesetter, but the leader opened three lengths on his competition to three-quarters in 1:23.2. Ideal Perception grew leg weary off his speed mission around the final turn, and Sportsline slowly reeled him in to then edge a head in front by the beam of a 1:52.4 mile. Outlawgrabbingears finished third and Captainofrocknroll took fourth.
Owned by Lisa Desroches and Craig Parrott, Sportsline won his second race from five starts this season and his 24th from 58 overall, pushing his earnings to $220,639. Boyd Wilson trains the $6.90 winner.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Flamboro Downs.