Trainer Bob Priester celebrated his first career win on Thursday at Woodbine Racetrack when his pacer Dakota Noc edged by the leader at the wire in the evening's finale
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With Mike Saftic in the sulky, Dakota Noc settled in behind Blueridge Finance and Billy Davis Jr. in the 12th race for $10,000 claimers and played follow the leader through fractions of :27.2, :57.1, and 1:26.1. Launching a late attack down the stretch, Dakota Noc collared the leader in the final strides for the 1:54.3 victory by a nose. Finishing one length behind in third was 9-5 favourite Glorys Motion (Doug McNair), who advanced first over after getting fifth early on.
Dakota Noc $15.60 to win as the 6-1 fifth choice in the 10-horse field.
Priester acquired the six-year-old Pearl River Matt-Cam So Sweet gelding in early November last year.
The 67-year-old resident of Orangeville, Ont. scored his first training win from 11 starts this year and 68 lifetime.
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.