Suzys Solitaire posted a 10-1 upset in the first of three $4,200 Snowman Trot eliminations for $6,000 claimers on Wednesday evening at Sudbury Downs, providing April Heidel with her first training triumph.
With co-owner David Haney in the sulky, Suzys Solitaire ($23.50) rallied three-wide from the backfield and opened up five length on his foes to win the first elimination in 2:02.1. Wedgewood finished second and Lindy Five Hundred was third. The 11-year-old Feel Like A Winner gelding, who earned his first win of the season, is shared in ownership with Lawrence Smith.
Koekemoer ($7.50) and trainer-driver Don Rankin Jr. went gate-to-wire in the second elimination, holding off Shipp To Morgan to win in 2:01.3 by a quarter length. Acuity rounded out the top three finishers three and a half lengths behind. The eight-year-old Malabar Maple gelding was owned by William Rankin, but was claimed for $6,000 by William Fleming. He notched his ninth victory of the season and now boasts 19 top three finishes in 34 outings this year.
Yvon Duclos's Jimmy Shin ($15.10) overcame early interference from post eight and advanced first over from fifth to win the final elimination in 2:01.2 by two and a half lengths with Justin Turcotte in the sulky. A rough-gaited Daring managed to finish second while Super Link was third. The eight-year-old Self Possessed gelding is now a three-time winner this year.
The $35,000 (estimated) final will take place next Wednesday, November 14, along with a $10,000 consolation.
Driver Jason Ryan won half of the evening's eight races.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Sudbury Downs.