A compact field of six faced the starting gate in Monday’s featured $11,000 Preferred 2 Handicap for horse and gelding pacers at The Raceway at Western Fair District, and Newbie prevailed in coast-to-coast fashion.
Newbie was parked past the quarter pole in :28.4 before he worked his way to the front for driver Nick Steward. Once they cleared to the top, it was all over. They cruised past the half in :59.3 before sprinting to the three-quarter pole in 1:27.4. A :28.3 closing quarter propelled the gelding to the 1:56.2 score over Ufdragons Rocket. Stoney Durkin tagged along to finish third.
Ian Hyatt trains the four-year-old son of Always A Virgin-Nat A Tat Tat for owners Larry Ainsworth of Petrolia, Ont. and William Boden of Vancouver, BC. It was the second win of the season for Newbie, who boasts a cash stash of $82,655 to date.
Saulsbrook Peach was a front-stepping winner in the $7,500 Preferred 3 for horse and gelding pacers. Robert Shepherd hustled the gelding through fractions of :28.3, :58.3 and 1:26.4 before stepping home in a :30-second clip to win in 1:56.4. Intended Royalty was second, with Tero taking home third prize.
Isabelle Darveau trains the seven-year-old son of Royal Mattjesty-Atlanta Girl, who was sent off as the 1-5 favourite, for owner Catheline Pelletier of Mirabel, QC. The gelding has banked close to $60,000 in his career.
Blazing Shot turned a two-hole trip into a narrow triumph in the $7,500 Preferred 3 for trotters. Sent off as the 2-1 favourite, Blazing Shot stalked Winzel through fractions of :30.1, 1:01 and 1:30 before overtaking that foe and winning be three-quarters of a length in 2:00.3. Winzel was second, with P C Dream Ticket rounding out the Triactor ticket.
Kyle Reibeling trains the seven-year-old daughter of Via Blaze-Casters Goal for Tom Gallant of Caledon East, Ont. It was the 15th lifetime tally for the career winner in excess of $130,000.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.