Rallying wide on the grandstand side, Timberline Court came on to score in the $8,500 Open Pace at Northlands Park, completing a successful night at the races for the track's leading trainer-driver Gerry Hudon
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Putting the pedal to the metal, All Canadian Mjjz (Rod Starkewski) fired off the gate from Post 6 in the eight-horse Open field and cleared to command just before the :28.1 first quarter mark. He then took a second quarter breather, reaching the half in :58.3.
At the midway point, last week's upset winner Hilldrop Shady (Brent Grundy) advanced first up from fourth and battled back and forth with the leader to the 1:27.1 third quarter mark.
Around the final turn, the backfield began to fan wide and out widest of them all was the quickest closer, Timberline Court and Hudon. The 3-1 second choice swept by his foes to steal the glory in 1:56.2 by one length, paying $8.20 to win. Outsider and early trailer Gts Jake (Jamie Gray), also the 5-2 favourite, followed the winner wide for runner-up honours. Neal Diamonique (John Chappell) finished third.
Timberline Court earned his second win in five starts during his seven-year-old campaign and lifted his seasonal bankroll to $11,980 for Hudon, who shares ownership with breeder R. Lynn Kowalevsky of Airdrie, Alta. The With Held-Bon Temps gelding now boasts a lifetime record reading 23-11-3 in 53 starts and earnings totalling $277,524.
The win in the 11th race feature was the last of four on the 12-race card for Hudon. He also won with his streaking trainee Kg Art Dreamer ($4.70) in the fifth race along with K T Loudnproud ($10.70) in the eighth for conditioner Kalvin Dryden an Cenalta Wizard ($8.70) for trainer Joseph O'Brien in the 10th.
Trainer Richard Schneider also enjoyed a productive night sending out three winners from his stable during Saturday's program: Crimson Promise ($15.30) in the second race; Barona Grizzly ($9.10) in the sixth; and Sharon Blew Bye ($14.90) in the finale. Jeff Stone drove the first two winners and Brent Grundy was in the bike for the last.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northlands Park.