Long Ago got up to score in the nick of time with less than one length separating half of the field in Wednesday's Preferred Trot at Western Fair Raceway
, which was contested prior to the Ontario Regional Driving Championship.
With the inside advantage, Long Ago and driver Bruce Richardson left alertly off the gate but gave way to Weskey (Doug McNair) before the opening quarter mark. Weskey carved out fractions of :28.1, :58.4 and 1:29 before feeling heavy pressure from favourite Power Shot (Jody Jamieson) around the final turn. As Power Shot collared the leader, Indiana Hall (Trevor Henry) fanned wide off cover along with 12-1 Jimmy Boy (Ryan Holliday) while Long Ago shot up the rail to prevail in 1:59.4. Jimmy Boy was the runner-up with Power Shot and Indiana Hall right there in third and fourth.
Long Ago has recorded three wins so far this season and has yet to finish out of the money in seven starts. The six-year-old Duke Of York-Hope Floats gelding is trained by John Holding, who co-owns with Bryan Montgomery of Fergus, Ont. The lion's share of the $15,000 purse pushed his lifetime earnings over the $200,000 mark.
Long Ago returned $10.90 to win as the 9-2 fourth choice.
For results from Wednesday’s harness racing card, click on the following link: Wednesday Results – Western Fair Raceway.