Despite facing less than ideal racing conditions and running into some early road trouble, Camblazer managed to defeat his Open rivals for back-to-back wins at Fraser Downs on Friday night
.
Entering the featured $12,500 Open Pace off a 1:53 career-best win in the top class on Dec. 9, Camblazer and trainer-driver Dave Hudon fired off the gate from Post 5 with 6-5 favourite Primary Purpose (Rod Therres) to his inside. Camblazer took back into second, but just as he was settling in for a pocket ride, Primary Purpose got rough gaited and rolled off stride. Hudon was able to manoeuvre his mount around the breaker and took the lead at the :28.1 opening quarter mark. Nobody Can (Jim Marino) also moved around Primary Purpose, who switched back to the pace to fill the third spot.
Following the commotion, Camblazer put up a :58 half and then opened up a three length lead on his foes. Meanwhile, Clintons Escape (Keith Clark) was progressing from the back of the pack and dropped into the pocket before the 1:26.4 third quarter station.
Camblazer led the field into the stretch and drew away again to secure the three length victory over the sloppy track. He stopped the clock in 1:55.3. Clintons Escape finished second and longshot At Last (Kevin Anderson) rounded out the top three finishers. Primary Purpose finished fourth, but was placed back to sixth for causing interference while on a break. Living It Up (Scott Knight) and At Last inherited the remaining cheques as a result of the placing.
Camblazer paid $12.40 to win as the 5-1 fourth choice. The homebred Camcracker-Squeaker Hanover gelding, owned by Bill Boden of Vancouver, B.C., has recorded four wins in 17 starts as a five-year-old while banking $26,848. Lifetime, the 15-time winner has earned $219,563.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.