Imminent Response was second across the finish line in Tuesday’s $15,000 Preferred Trot at Georgian Downs, but it won’t say that on the cheque.
The six-year-old son of Oaklea Julian-Shuttle Diplomacy had his number placed first as a result of a costly break in deep stretch by the race favourite, who was later placed second for a lapped-on break at the wire.
Imminent Response got away seventh for driver Dan Clements, who watched Illusionsndreams charge to the lead and lay down fractions of :27, :56 and 1:25.1. Imminent Response commenced a first-over rally going to the half, but he was still six lengths away from the leader heading into the final quarter of the tilt.
Illusionsndreams still enjoyed a comfortable lead at the head of the stretch, but he rolled off stride in the late stages of the mile and was still off stride as he crossed the line with a head to spare on the determined challenger, Imminent Response. The ORC Judges quickly performed an inquiry to review the break made by the winner, who was eventually placed second for his violation of the racing rules. Imminent Response was second-placed-first, while Illusionsndreams was set back to second. Lexis D J passed five foes in the final quarter and wound up finishing third.
The 1:56.4 victory was the third of the season and the 14th to date for the gelding, who is owned and trained by Stephen Gassien of Peterborough, ON. He’s stashed away $88,420 this season and more than $212,000 in his career.
To view results for Tuesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Tuesday Results – Georgian Downs.