Scratched sick a few weeks ago from Flamboro Downs' Announcer Idol competition, CHCH Sports' Jason Portuondo made amends with a smooth call of race six for Sunday's edition.
As the bugle played to start the post parade for the evening's sixth race, the popular Woodbine TV personality relished the moment in the announcer's booth. "Aw yes, the best tune in sports!" he said before introducing the field of nine.
"It's just about time to get this party started," he said as the horses headed behind the starting gate, but Portuondo was thrown a couple of curve balls. First, a starters recall and later a teletimer malfunction. "I thought it was only Gary they were trying to mess up up here!"
But Portuondo took it all in stride and continued to call the action as Keystone Memphis and Scott Young drove wide into the backstretch and took off around the final turn.
"Three-high, there goes your race favourite Keystone Memphis. To the inside still digging away that is Mcwhirlaway and now calling it a day is Totally Dreamy," called Portuondo. "...Here comes Southwind Razor, now fifth, now fourth, now third and charging up on the outside. In the meantime, Keystone Memphis has given them the slip. Southwind Razor, at a big price, is trying to get a piece of the action. This one looks to be all over, but I'm still going to do my job all the way. Keystone Memphis and Scott Young in a jiggy-jog. Southwind Razor will fatten up the exactor."
Woodbine invader Keystone Memphis won by four lengths in a final time of 1:56.3 for trainer Bob Young, who shares ownership of the sophomore gelding with Blair Corbeil, Alvin Storey and the Memphis Stable.
Keystone Memphis paid $6 to win and combined with 21-1 longshot Southwind Razor for a $142.40 exactor.
Scott Penfold (Middays, Y108) will wrap up the Announcer Idol competition next Sunday, March 23 before fan voting commences to determine the winner, who will receive a donation to the local charity of their choice, courtesy of Flamboro Downs and Great Canadian Gaming.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.