Taking the lead off the gate, Blue Chip Sunshine and driver James MacDonald were unaffected by a breaker in the first turn that scattered most of the field and went on to win the $7,500 Preferred 3 Pace on Sunday night at Flamboro Downs.
Fresh Dream, driven by MacDonald's brother Anthony, broke stride and stumbled while racing in second-place, causing interference to the rest of the field. The Carmen Auciello trainee broke his overcheck and stepped out of a hopple in the process, nearly falling. However, the other horses and drivers managed to avoid a pile up and played catch up as the race proceeded with Blue Chip Sunshine ($29.30) fighting back when challenged by Ari Allstar and then holding off the pylon-skimming Astute in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:58 flat. Stonebridge Adam rallied wide around the final turn to finish third over Ari Allstar.
The win was Blue Chip Sunshine's third in eight seasonal starts. The six-year-old American Ideal gelding is trained by Ken Oliver and owned by Milton Young of Paradise, NL.
Auciello confirmed with Trot Insider that Fresh Dream, who was moved to the safety lane down the backstretch and did not finish the race, was not injured. Anthony MacDonald reported a sore back as he was hit by a trailing horse during the mishap.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.