Kawartha Downs presented the opening round of the Knockout Pacing Series on Thursday, with three divisions going postward for $4,000 apiece
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Newton Angus rallied to win in 1:57.3 in the opening division for trainer Cal Campbell and driver Tony Kerwood. The 11-year-old son of Lantern Light won edged out Novadane Peppercorn and race favourite Midnight Baran. Nancy Campbell of Milton, ON owns the 26-time winner, who has banked $440,660 in his career.
Raging River delivered on an even-money promise to his backers in the second division for the tandem of driver Brad Rae and trainer Dale Heard. The six-year-old son of Red River Hanover enjoyed a pocket trip for most of the mile before surging to the lead and drawing off to win by more than a pair of lengths over Notorious Pick in 1:56.4. Third prize went to Kennairn Sensation. Antonio and Rocky Tangreda of Kettleby, ON share the ownership on the career winner of $52,469.
Partytime used last second heroics to pull off a 16-1 upset in his assignment for owner/trainer/driver Dan Leblonc of Millbrook, ON. The seven-year-old son of Sadies Dreamboat, who was sitting seventh at the top of the stretch, swept past the six rivals in front of him en route to the narrow tally in 1:59.2. Gran Sasso was second and Premium Bliss was third. It was the first win of the season for the gelding, who is now a 15-time winner in his career.
To view Thursday’s results, click here.