Activator had no problem battling through challenging conditions en route to capturing Tuesday’s $16,000 Preferred Pace at Georgian Downs.
The Mike Brealey pupil, who covered the snow covered oval in 1:56.2, struck a pose in the winner’s circle for the third time in his last four outings.
Mike Langdon worked out the winning trip with the seven-year-old son of Western Hanover, who tracked cover from second over before powering past his rivals. He drew off to win by more than four lengths over The Bam Man and Donegal Gerald.
Rod McGrath, Wally Gemmill, Gord Waples and Don Watkins share ownership on Activator, who has produced a solid 8-3-4 record in 29 starts this season. The victory bumped this year’s bankroll to $139,950 while his career total climbed to $392,935.
Muscle Power took the $13,000 Preferred Trot for driver Steve Byron, who convinced the Ted MacDonnell pupil to dig in late in order to hold off a late-rushing Celtic Warrior in 2:00.2.
The eight-year-old son of Muscles Yankee sat a pocket trip to the quarter pole before Byron asked the gelding to trot to the top. Once in command, Muscle Power threw down splits of :59.2 and 1:29.1 before chugging home in :31.1 to seal the deal.
Runner-up Celtic Warrior, who attacked the heavily favoured winner in the third quarter, came up a neck short. Jazzman Hall rounded out the top three.
Muscle Power improved his 2008 record to 6-3-2 in 29 starts, and the lion’s share of the purse helped him inch a bit closer to $400,000 in career earnings. He is owned by Northorn Stable, Noblock Racing Stable, Brian Boyce and David Reid.
To view Tuesday’s results, click here.