Rushing off a pocket trip, Irish Thunder scored in the $8,500 Preferred 3 Trot at Flamboro Downs on Sunday (Feb. 9).
Irish Thunder yielded command to Keepall heading to a :29 first quarter and stayed put through a :59.2 half and through three-quarters 1:29.1. Pound Sterling mounted a first-over bid moving to the final turn but stagnated, leaving Irish Thunder as the lone threat to Keepall in the lane. Through the open stretch Irish Thunder dashed and edged to a two-length victory over Keepall with Pound Sterling finishing third.
A nine-year-old stallion by Angus Hall, Irish Thunder won his 21st race from 109 starts, earning $102,657. Peter Brickman conditions the winner for owner Eric Swainson Brickman. Austin Sorrie drove the $5.60 winner.
Paparazzi Hanover wired his competition to win as the favourite in the $8,500 Preferred 3 Pace. From post 1, the eight-year-old Well Said gelding posted a :28 first quarter and endured pressure from Racemup past a :58.2 half and nearing three-quarters in 1:27. Paparazzi Hanover regained a slight lead on Racemup into the final turn and withstood a last rush in the stretch, winning by three-quarter lengths in a 1:56.1 mile. Pocket-sitter Boomboom Ballykeel finished third.
Co-owned by driver Travis Cullen with Keith Hannah, Paparazzi Hanover won his 25th race from 168 starts, earning $353,736. Jodie Cullen conditions the $4.40 winner.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.