The photo finish camera came in handy to decide the winner in Monday’s $11,500 Preferred 2 for horse and gelding pacers at The Raceway at Western Fair District, and when the verdict was handed in by the AGCO Judges it was Bettors Western who prevailed by a nose.
Bettors Western and driver Brett MacDonald got away third in the six-horse affair while Maracasso charged to the lead and whacked out fractions of :28.1, :58 and 1:27. Bettors Western, who was trapped on the rail in the backstretch and around the final turn, shook loose late and used a :29.1 closing quarter to win over Artistic Pick in 1:56.4. Race favourite Maracasso was third.
Ron MacDonald trains the six-year-old son of Bettors Delight-Western Moonlight, who was let go at odds of 7-1, for Synerco Ventures Inc of Toronto, Ont. The win was his second of the season from four tries. The $5,750 payday pushed his lifetime earnings to $217,339.
Mr Mach Jimmy survived a first-over trip en route to capturing the $8,500 Preferred 3 for horse and gelding pacers.
Colin Kelly got away third with the Lindsey Kerr trainee while Deadly Action shot to the top and whacked out first half fractions of :28.4 and :57.4. Mr Mach Jimmy was sent first over on the way to the half, and he gained a short lead while racing parked past the three-quarter pole in 1:27. He then used a :30.1 closing quarter to win by 1-3/4 lengths over Another Great Pick in 1:57.1. The show dough went to race favourite Levis Day.
Sally Charlton of Tecumseh, Ont. owns the seven-year-old son of Mach Three-Rosebud Stena. The victory was his second of the season and the 19th of his career. To date, he’s stashed away over $210,000.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.