Maritime stakes champion Proven Desire earned his first victory in Ontario on Sunday night (Feb. 28) in the $7,500 Preferred 3 Pace at Flamboro Downs.
Making his debut from the Johnathan McKinnon stable, first-time Flamboro starter Proven Desire and driver James MacDonald followed in third-place as 4-5 favourite Dialamara (Anthony MacDonald) looped early leader Sir Machalot (Lyle MacArthur) through a :29.1 first quarter. The field followed in post position order until Ufdragons Rocket (Alfie Carroll) went first over from fourth after a :59.2 half. As that one progressed on the way past the 1:28.2 third quarter mark, Proven Desire was angled off the pylons and then out three-wide around the final turn. Kicking home in :28.3, Proven Desire rallied by his rivals for the one-length victory in 1:57.3 over the 'good' track. Dialamara edged out Ufdragons Rocket and Sir Machalot for the runner-up honours.
Proven Desire paid $13.40 as the 5-1 fourth wagering choice after a pair of Woodbine starts that included a top-three finish.
The four-year-old Proven Lover gelding won the fourth start of his Ontario campaign for Charlottetown owner Blair Hansen. Through his first two seasons on track competing predominantly in Maritime stakes events, he never missed a cheque banking over $84,000 with 12 stakes wins, including the Maritime Breeders Stakes and Island Breeders Championship.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.