A contested lead poised pocket-sitter Cyclone Joe for a open-stretch burst, with the six-year-old Roll With Joe gelding jetting by rivals to a 1:55.4 victory in the $8,500 Horses & Geldings Preferred 3 Pace on Sunday (Dec. 13) at Flamboro Downs.
Protecting position from the pylon post, Cyclone Joe soon yielded command to Toot Toot N past a :27.3 opening quarter, which then left Bet On Brett to race uncovered into the second turn. Bet On Brett pressed forward towards new leader Toot Toot N approaching a :57 half but grew fatigued as the field neared the backstretch.
With the two-wide tier stalled by the tiring charge, Toot Toot N cruised on a two-length lead to three-quarters in 1:26.4 which he could not sustain upon straightening for the finish. With fresh legs, Cyclone Joe lunged past the 2-1 favourite and drew clear by three-and-a-half lengths to claim victory. Toot Toot N held second with White Hair Rocks finishing third.
A homebred for trainer Sylvain Lacaille, Cyclone Joe won his third race from 25 starts this season and his fifth from 93 overall, earning $63,509. He paid $11.80 to win.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.