Landing a head in front of the backfield charge, Ionia took the $9,400 Preferred 3 Trot going an added distance in 2:06.3 on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Race-favourite Nebraska Jack cleared command from Lets Leavem passing a :28.2 first quarter and led the field to a :58.4 half. Esquire, parked from the start, continued uncovered to press the pacesetter by the half and through three-quarters in 1:28.1 before faltering into the final turn.
Scene A Magician led the closing group into the final turn, tracked by Ionia and Judge Ken. Into the stretch Scene A Magician took a narrow lead but Ionia swung wide and by in the final strides to win with Judge Ken settling for third.
A five-year-old mare by Majestic Son, Ionia won her 11th race in 44 starts this season and her 29th in 133 overall, earning $182,290. Bill Shaw conditions the $7.90 winner for owner Patricia Gibb. Robert Shepherd sat in the sulky.
Cayo Loco protected pylon position to win the $8,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 3 Pace in 1:58.
Driver Garett Rooney secured command with Cayo Loco heading to a :28.4 first quarter with Woodmere Wyldstyle sitting pocket. The seven-year-old Bgs Folly mare faced no pressure to a :58 half but endured first-over pressure from 3-5 favourite Bryn Baroness towards three-quarters in 1:27.2. Through the stretch Cayo Loco maintained command to win over Sodwana Bay, who finished second via disqualification of Bryn Baroness to third for interference at the start.
Owned and trained by Randy Parish, Cayo Loco won her sixth race from 36 starts this season and her 23rd from 143 overall, earning $155,486. She paid $39.40 to win.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.