Dropping to the $7,500 Preferred 3, Saulsbrook Peach ($5.70) was the talk of the toteboard and didn't disappoint his backers with a winning effort on Sunday night (December 18) at Flamboro Downs.
The seven-year-old Royal Mattjesty gelding was victorious for the 11th time this year for the trainer-driver duo of Isabella Darveau and Robert Shepherd, and owner Catheline Pelletier of Mirabel, Que.
Saulsbrook Peach watched from an early four-hole while Senior Market (M Whelan) retook the lead from Cobalt Man (Phil Hudon) after a :27.3 first quarter. The favourite then advanced to the top, taking over at the race's midpoint, which was timed in :58.2. Bali (Bob McClure) offered up a mild first-over challenge, but 'Peach' forged on to three-quarters in 1:27 and began to draw away from his competition to secure the victory in 1:56 flat. Senior Market re-rallied down the stretch to close up the gap, finishing one and a half lengths behind the winner. Zingers Laugh (Nick Steward) checked in third.
With the Sunday night score, 'Peach' pushed his annual income to $73,766.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.