Brandon Campbell stole the show at Fraser Downs on Sunday (March 27), winning both British Columbia-bred stakes events while also steering five winners – three of which came from his own barn – on the 10-race card.
Campbell piloted Margaret White trainee Chasing Bismarck to a 1:53.3 win in the $22,500 Horses & Geldings British Columbia-bred final. The four-year-old Mystery Chase gelding sat sixth while Helter Skelter powered to the lead past a :26.3 first quarter and slowed the tempo to a :55.3 half. Helter Skelter lifted the pace steadily into the backside as Campbell gave Chasing Bismarck his cue to fire, and he promptly cruised to within two lengths of the lead while catching cover from Rapido Dom to three-quarters in 1:24.1. Around the final turn, Helter Skelter clung to command before giving way to Rapido Dom in the straightaway all while Chasing Bismarck uncorked a furious bid off cover. The 8-5 favourite shot off the helmet and slid to a one-length victory over Rapido Dom while Ynotthishos took third via placing and Helter Skelter was disqualified to fourth.
Owned by Bryant Hibbs, Chasing Bismarck won his fourth race from 10 starts this season and his fifth from 28 starts, lifting his lifetime earnings to $40,398. He paid $5.30 to win.
In the finale, Campbell scored off an aggressive stalking trip with even-money favourite Bohemian Rhapsody to win the $22,500 Fillies & Mares British Columbia-bred stake in 1:56.4.
Campbell cleared command with the four-year-old Control The Moment mare to a :28.1 first quarter before yielding the lead to Pretty Please past the stands first time. Staying put by a :57.3 half, Campbell launched Bohemian Rhapsody into attack again up the backside and swept to a four-length lead after three-quarters in 1:27.1. The Randy Rutledge trainee coasted from there to the finish, posting a 2-1/4-length win over Pretty Please with Heads Up Boys finishing third and L Ds Contessa taking fourth.
A homebred for Rutledge and co-owner Jennifer Dodsworth, Bohemian Rhapsody won her third race from eight starts this season and her fifth in 25 starts, lifting her lifetime earnings to $36,305. She paid $4 to win.
Campbell’s remaining victories earlier in the card all came with his own trainees. He opened the card with a win by A Private Affair ($6.60) and later returned to the winner’s circle with Ima Momas Boy ($2.90) and Buddy Light ($3.40).
Kootenay Santanna sat a pocket trip behind dueling leaders to land a knockout blow and win the co-featured $10,000 Horses & Geldings Open Pace in 1:51.3. The four-year-old Santanna Blue Chip gelding drafted through a quick pace set by Tiempo Hanover and prompted by a parked Armycaptin Hanover. Stalking a clip of :26.1, :54 and 1:22.1, Kootenay Santanna lunged after the two once given open track in the straightaway and edged a head in front of Tiempo Hanover to score. Armycaptin Hanover settled for third and Pureform Mr Toffee gave chase in fourth.
A homebred for Robert Chadwick and trained by Kyle Chadwick, Kootenay Santanna won his third race from five starts this season and his 10th from 21 overall, lifting his lifetime earnings to $128,600. David Kelly drove the $8 winner.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Fraser Downs.