The favourite in Thursday's feature at Flamboro Downs, Escuela conducted business how a 3-5 choice should: quickly and decisively.
With co-owner and driver Ed Hensley at the controls, Escuela left briskly for position from the rail in the $8,500 Preferred 3 Trot but was fronted by Waikiki Hanover (Marc St. Louis) headed down the backstretch for the first time. That lead was short-lived as Hensley pocket-popped before the first marker and cleared through a :29.1 opening split.
After landing on top, Escuela had the field at her mercy through panels of :59 and 1:28.4. Overcomebyvictory (Robert Shepherd) attempted a first-over bid through the final quarter but was never a serious threat as Escuela kicked home in :29.1 to trip the timer in 1:58, more than two lengths to the good over Waikiki Hanover and Overcomebyvictory.
Escuela (ABC Garland - Donven Fury) picked up her fifth win of the season and 35th lifetime. Ashleigh Hensley trains and co-owns Escuela, who now boasts more than $309,000 in purses and has not finished worth than second in her last seven starts.
To view the results from Thursday's card at Flamboro Downs, click the following link: Thursday Results - Flamboro Downs.