Statesman N and Doo Wee Rusty shared the spotlight on Saturday night (Feb. 20) at Flamboro Downs, winning the co-featured Preferred 3 events.
Trained and driven by Doug Brown, the Abbott Stables' Statesman N ($9.50) nosed out pacesetter Warrawee Phoenix in the Preferred division for male pacers.
While Warrawee Phoenix (J.R. Plante) led the way through fractions of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:25.4 over the "good" track, Brown sent Statesman N first over from fourth and the nine-year-old Christian Cullen gelding ultimately got by in the shadow of the wire for the 1:56.2 triumph. American Rock (Bob McClure), the 8-5 favourite, finished over two lengths behind in third after tracking the winner's cover.
In winning his third start in Canada, Statesman N now boasts victories in three different countries, with his prior 27 wins recorded in New Zealand and the U.S.
Doo Wee Rusty ($5.80) defeated the distaffers, prevailing off a perfect two-hole trip to deliver on her 9-5 pari-mutual promise.
The five-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere followed Lady Hot Shot (Billy Davis Jr.) through fractions of :28.3, :59.1 and 1:29 before shooting through the passing lane to win in 1:59.4. First over challenger Alexas Hope finished half a length behind in second while Lady Hot Shot settled for third-place in between the top two finishers.
The win was the fourth on the card for driver J Harris and gave Jack Harris a training double. Doo Wee Rusty is owned by Jack Harris and William Dowhan.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.