Red Star Senator used a late stretch rush to prevail in the featured $17,000 Open Pace at Fraser Downs on Saturday afternoon.
With James Burke in the bike, the six-year-old son of Presidential Ball powered off the gate, but Royal Morn (Rod Therres) reached the lead before the first quarter in :27.3. Stonebridge Camelot (Billy Davis, Jr.) had launched a first-over bid and the pair battled on top through as :57 half.
Meanwhile, Red Star Senator, who was out and rolling, angled three-wide before three-quarters in 1:25.1. Royal Morn tried to hold off his challengers but Red Star Senator grinded it out for the win in 1:54.1 by a neck over a sloppy track. Armbro Blacktie (Jim Marino) came on for third.
The Robert Merschback pupil picked up his first win of the season for owner Mary Murphy of Surrey, B.C. The win was number 27 for Red Star Senator, who has earned $390,113 in purses.
To view Saturday’s results, click here.