Off a win in the $11,500 Preferred 2 Handicap Trot at Flamboro Downs last week, Absolut Seelster returned to the Dundas oval to take the feature again going wire to wire in 2:00 on Sunday, March 31.
Forced to start from the outermost post in the field of six, Absolut Seelster swept past rail-starter Bred For Greatness to lead the field through a :28.4 opening quarter. The six-year-old Angus Hall mare continued uncontested on the lead through a :59.2 half and 1:29.3 third quarter while Bred For Greatness awaited the passing lane. Absolut Seelster endured a late bid from Bred For Greatness to deliver as the favourite by a neck while Noble Legend, stalking the top two, took third.
Owned by Thomas and Elizabeth Rankin, Absolut Seelster won his fourth race from nine starts this season and his 25th from 99 overall, earning $229,702. Scott Young steered the $5.70 winner for trainer Benoit Baillargeon.
Hes Got Swagger also won going wire to wire as the favourite, taking the $8,500 Preferred 3 Pace in 1:53.2.
Driver Travis Cullen, who also owns the Jodie Cullen trainee, cleared command from Fool Me Once heading to a :28.1 opening quarter. About A Boy, positioned fifth, angled first over to apply minor pressure on Hes Got Swagger heading to a :57.1 half. Maintaining a two-length lead past a 1:25.2 third quarter, Hes Got Swagger drew clear of Fool Me Once spinning into the stretch and downed the pocket-sitter by three-and-three-quarter lengths while About A Boy held third three lengths farther behind.
A four-year-old gelding by Vintage Master, Hes Got A Swagger won his second race from nine starts this season and his 17th from 38 overall, earning $74,832. He paid $4.90 to win.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.