The pacers took their turn in the $12,000 Preferred at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Tuesday, March 4, following the trotters' action the night before. Cheddar Bay, with Daryl Thiessen in the sulky, powered to victory after benefitting from a perfect pocket trip.
Cheddar Bay showed early speed, but it was the 6-5 favourite, Ideal Perception (Anthony Haughan), who took control and led the field through the first quarter in :28.1. He coasted to the half in :59.2, with Cheddar Bay sitting comfortably in the pocket. P L Oliver (Travis Henry) was the first to tip out and pursued the leader for most of the mile. The field reached the three-quarter mark in 1:28.1, with Ideal Perception still in front, P L Oliver in hot pursuit and Cheddar Bay waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Cheddar Bay capitalized on his position, using the passing lane to surge past and win in 1:57.3 by three-quarters of a length over a ‘good’ track. P L Oliver, a strong 17-1 shot, finished second, while It Takes Two (Lorne House) powered to third.
A nine-year-old gelded son by Betterthancheddar out of Mystical Seelster, Cheddar Bay is trained by Peter Core for Donald and Heather McGregor of Camlachie, Ont. The homebred pacer now holds 26 career wins and earnings of $290,488. This victory marks his second win of the 2025 season. The winning ticket paid $6.40.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results - The Raceway at Western Fair District.
(Standardbred Canada)