Moving first over in the backstretch, Nirvana Seelster progressed first over to take the top in the stretch and fend off late challengers Major Hill and Shadow Place to win the $34,000 Preferred Pace at Woodbine Racetrack Saturday, March 3.
Driver Trevor Henry positioned Nirvana Seelster fourth through a :26.4 quarter set by Jins Shark. Henry soon tipped the race-favourite wide, supplying cover to Physicallyinclined after a :56.4 half.
Jins Shark endured pressure from Nirvana Seelster circling the far turn, losing his lead by a half length at three-quarters in 1:24.2 before Nirvana Seelster put away the race leader. Major Hill, tipping off the rail from last into the stretch, rallied through the center of the course after Nirvana Seelster, falling three-quarter lengths shy of victory. Shadow Place, off a pocket trip, sneaked into contention for third.
Winning his 34th race in 158 starts, Nirvana Seelster, a seven-year-old gelding by Camluck out of the Western Hanover mare No Strikes Against, races for the interest of Bruce Davy. Trained by William Budd, he paid $3.60 to win.
Trainer Richard Moreau snagged a training triple on the program. From his stable, Isitfridayyet ($3.90) surged first over to win a $19,000 pace in 1:51.1, Fine Diamond ($8.70) circled to the lead past the quarter to win a $22,000 pace in 1:51.3 and Fool Me Once ($2.80) won a $22,000 pace going wire to wire in 1:52.2.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.