Driver David Kelly sent Kootenay Santanna to the top and strode to the line with ease to take the $10,000 Horses & Geldings Open Pace on Sunday (April 10) at Fraser Downs.
The four-year-old Santanna Blue Chip gelding cleared control from post five to lead 8-5 favourite Tiempo Hanover past a :26 first quarter. He slowed the tempo to a :56.1 half and quickened up the backside when Armycaptin Hanover came calling first-over to three-quarters in 1:24.4. Armycaptin Hanover then stalled coming off the final turn, leaving Tiempo Hanover as the lone threat from the pocket in the straightaway. Though Tiempo Hanover lunged through the open stretch after the pacesetter, Kootenay Santanna kept him at bay to win by three-quarter lengths in 1:52.2. Armycaptin Hanover finished third and Mach Steady settled for fourth.
A homebred for Robert Chadwick, Kootenay Santanna won his fourth race from six starts this season and his 11th from 22 overall, lifting his lifetime earnings to $133,600. Kyle Chadwick trains the $5.80 winner.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Fraser Downs.