Ari Allstar came through along the pylons to catch the pacesetting Pop Pop Joe in the final strides for his first win of the year on Sunday in the $7,500 Preferred 3 at Flamboro Downs.
Driven by Bob McClure in his 14th start of the season, Air Allstar prevailed off a three-hole trip in 1:55 by half a length. Pop Pop Joe held on for second-place after leading the field of nine through fractions of :27.4, :56.3 and 1:25.2.
Mister Icon had pulled the pocket as the pacers raced down the backstretch for the second time while Adversary Seelster and favourite Goldstar Badlands fanned out three and four-wide around the final turn. Adversary Seelster ultimately edged out Mister Icon and Goldstar Badlands for third-place in the close finish.
Trainer Jeff Gillis co-owns Ari Allstar with Big Als Stables Inc. and Mac Nichol. The win was the fifth lifetime for the four-year-old Art Major gelding.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.