Stand Guard took control before the opening quarter and never looked back en route to a 1:59.3 victory in the $14,800 Preferred Trot featured on Wednesday's harness racing program at Western Fair Raceway
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Stand Guard and driver Keith Oliver took control of the field ahead of Long Ago (Bruce Richardson) before the :28.3 first quarter mark and led the rest of the way, keeping first over challenger Power Shot (Billy Davis Jr.) at bay. The six-year-old gelding reached the half in :59.4 and three-quarters in 1:29.2 before stopping the clock in 1:59.3. Power Shot (Billy Davis Jr.) finished three-quarters of a length behind while Long Ago ended up a length and a half back in third.
Stand Guard, a son of Conway Hall-Cherished Victory who was claimed for $75,000 at the end of 2010 at Woodbine Racetrack by his current connections, paid $3.10 to win as the 1-2 favourite in the field. The victory was his first of the season from six starts pushing his bankroll to over $20,000 for trainer Tony Montini and Ontario owners Albina Montini, Eazy Racing, William Rogers and Big Als Stables Inc. Lifetime, Stand Guard has recorded 19 victories while earning $336,770.
For results from Wednesday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.