The fourth harness racing season initiated at Century Downs on Sunday, April 1, with a 10-race program contested over a "good" track starting the 2018 meet.
Opening the card was Chalk Player, aptly sent the 2-1 favourite, winning a $7,400 pace from off the speed by a head in 1:57.4. J.F. Gagne positioned the Sanford Campbell trainee behind first-over Metajka Road, waiting until the stretch to move the five-year-old Camluck gelding off cover. Chalk Player, paying $6.10 to win, edged past Metajka Road in the final strides to win, with Blue Star Admiral a length back in third.
Nathan Sobey shined under the overcast skies, collecting a training hat trick on the day. He won his first on the program with Western Olympian, paying $11.50 winning a $3,900 pace by eight-and-three-quarter lengths in 1:58.
The next came with Burn My Villa, a $12.80 winner who rallied through the center of the course to win a $6,200 pace by a half length in 2:00.
Sobey obtained his third win with a wire-to-wire performance by Burntisland Billy, a $30.10 winner in a $6,200 pace by six-and-three-quarter lengths in 1:59.
Over $140,000 was handled on the opening day program, with a $6,579 Pick 4 carryover for the next race card Saturday, April 7.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Century Downs.