A group of eight faced the gate in Tuesday’s $15,500 Preferred Trot at The Raceway at the Western Fair District, but only four of those square gaiters minded their manners
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Meadowview Matty and Boogie Woogie broke behind the gate, Charmbo Tie rolled off stride shortly after the starter released the group and last week’s Preferred winner, Chinnys Wings, went down the drain as a result of going up in the air as the field entered the stretch.
Their bad luck turned out to be Lexis D J’s good luck, as the Shane Arsenault student powered to a 5-1/2 length triumph after being treated to a sweet second-over trip by teamster Ross Battin.
Friendly Amigo blasted to immediate command from her Post 7 perch on the starting gate, and she laid down first-half panels of :28.3 and :59.1 before coming under heavy pressure in the third quarter by Chinnys Wings. That foe showed a short lead at that juncture before rolling off stride before the top of the stretch. Lexis D J, who was tracking his cover, maneuvered around public’s top choice and put the pedal to the metal en route to the 1:59.1 decision. Friendly Amigo re-emerged to finish second, with third prize going to Bertorico.
Sent off as the 9-5 second choice in the featured tilt, Lexis D J won for the second time this season and for the 17th time in his career. The career winner of $221,675 is owned by Lou Arsenault of Freelton and his grandson, Brandon Arsenault, of Hamilton, ON.
To view results for Tuesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Tuesday Results – The Raceway at the Western Fair District.