March Madness has officially kicked off on hardcourts all over the U.S., and it officially tipped off at Kawartha
Downs, as well.
The Fraserville, ON oval featured a set of $5,000 eliminations of the March Madness Series for claiming trotters.
Caviars Dream notched harness racing’s version of a buzzer beater when he got up in the final strides to take his assignment by a nose in 2:02.1 for driver Bill Davis and trainer Marcel Bouvier. The seven-year-old son of SJs Caviar edged out race favourite Maple Leaf Quix, who was next best, and Cowboys Like Us, who was a head back in third.
James McConnell of Emsdale and Cindy McConnell of Burks Falls, ON celebrated the victory before losing the gelding through the claiming box. It was the trotter’s first score of the season in six starts and it pushed his lifetime earnings over $100,000.
Sadie Eden pulled off a 5-1 upset in the second elimination for co-owner/driver Rick Welsh and co-owner/trainer David Frey. The five-year-old daughter of Striking Sahbra enjoyed a pocket trip behind Eugene Lavictoire for most of the mile before engaging that one in battle and then drawing off to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 2:02.1. Eugene Lavictoire held on for the runner-up award, while Jaypee Gill Cherie finished third.
The winner was claimed following her assignment, but not before notching the ninth victory of her career. She has stashed away more than $84,000 in lifetime earnings.
The $12,000 final of the March Madness Series goes next Thursday at Kawartha Downs.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Kawartha Downs.