Money Maven overtook the popular Cold Certified in the stretch for the upset victory in the $8,500 Preferred 3 Handicap Trot, which closed out Saturday night's harness racing card at Flamboro Downs.
The 4-5 favourite left well from post six and held a commanding lead over his seven rivals through panels of :28.4, :59.2 and 1:29.3 with Robert Shepherd in tow.
Meanwhile, Torches Angel (Tyler Moore) tried to reel in the leader as he advanced from fourth near the half-mile mark, but broke stride down backstretch. Northern Escort (Jean Bernard Renaud) had followed his cover and was left first up with Money Maven and trainer/driver Daniel O'Brian tipping out from the three-hole and then fanning three-wide around the final turn.
Money Maven gained the lead as he swung into the stretch and then drew clear for the one length victory in 2:02 over the "good" track in -18 degree temperatures. Sent postward at odds of 10-1, Money Maven paid $22.60 to win. Dragin The Wagon and Anthony Haughan came on from the backfield for second at 13-1 while Cold Certified settled for third.
Money Maven now has back-to-back wins at Flamboro Downs and a total of 12 victories on his lifetime record for owner Everette Hanson of Maugerville, N.B. The six-year-old Revenue S gelding's bankroll sits just shy of $170,000.
Live harness racing has been cancelled tomorrow due to the extreme cold weather conditions anticipated for the region. Racing is scheduled to resume on Thursday, February 19, with first race post time at 6 p.m.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.