Away sixth at the quarter, 9-5 co-favourite Casino Classic ripped off the rail through the backstretch and then three wide rounding the final turn before storming past the trio of front battlers to take the $8,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 3 Pace at Flamboro Downs on Saturday, March 9.
Robintheatm, sent the other 9-5 choice, took command from rail-starter Howmacfiesty heading towards a :29 opening quarter. Passing the half in :58, Robintheatm continued unchallenged on the lead while Ride Away Shark, positioned fifth, prepared a first-over bid moving to the backstretch.
Ride Away Shark ranged toward the pacesetter marching to a 1:27.2 third quarter while Casino Classic, on cover third over, fanned wide circling the final turn. Howmacfiesty dove to the passing lane to lead narrowly through the stretch while Casino Classic sprinted through the straightaway and edged Howmacfiesty by a half length in the 1:57.3 mile. Robintheatm held third.
A five-year-old mare by Classic Card Shark, Casino Classic is trained by Robert Manders for owners Richard Manders and Keith Manders. She won her 17th race from 64 starts and has earned $128,444. Robert Shepherd drove the $5.80 winner.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.