Odds-on favourite Absolut Seelster ($2.90) led all the way to deliver a winning performance in the $11,500 Preferred 2 Trot featured on Monday evening's harness racing program at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Never seriously threatened throughout the two minute mile, Absolut Seelster defeated her male counterparts by 2-1/2 lengths with Scott Young driving for trainer Ben Baillargeon and owners Thomas and Elizabeth Rankin of St. Catharines, Ont. Willyorwonthe (Alfie Carroll) closed from the backfield to place and Azucar (Travis Henry) wound up third after his first-over journey.
The five-year-old Angus Hall mare is a career winner of 20 races including eight victories this year to go along with seven other top three finishes from 31 seasonal starts.
The $8,500 Preferred 3 Pace was won by favourite Brocks Fortune ($5.20) in 1:57.4 by one length over The Loan Ranger (Nick Steward) and Reel (Travis Henry) for trainer Taylor Fritz and co-owner Jared Bako. Brett MacDonald urged on the eight-year-old Stonebridge Regal gelding, who had the trailing tier post and advanced first-over from an early three-hole to take command at the third quarter mark. Benefiting from some class relief, he notched his 25th career win.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Monday Results - Western Fair Raceway