Favourite Illwinifican was involved in another close finish, but persevered in Friday night's featured Open Pace at Fraser Downs for the card's hot combination of driver Scott Knight and trainer Dennis Johnston.
Illwinifican prevailed in a three-way photo finish to take top honours and the lion's share of the $12,000 purse, pushing his career bankroll over the $200,000 mark. The win was the fourth on the night for Knight, who combined with Johnston for three.
Following his neck decision in the James Vinnell eliminations last Friday, Buddy Weiser led the Open field through fractions of :28.3, :58 and 1:25.4 while 9-5 favourite Illwinifican rushed up from mid-pack to take second-place turning for home and Wrangler Cash rallied wide. Those three raced to the finish, with Illwinifican living up to his name in a 1:54.4 mile over the sloppy track.
Owned by Johnston and local resident Ray Thomson, the five-year-old Allamerican Native gelding notched his eighth win of the year from 18 starts and has now won 19 races lifetime.
Illwinifican, who has been involved in close finishes in his last four starts, was sent postward as the 9-5 favourite and paid $5.60 to win.
Knight and Johnston also teamed up for wins with Chasing The Girls ($3.60) and Beer O Clock ($10.40).
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.