Driver J Harris used last second heroics to capture Thursday’s $11,000 Preferred 2 Handicap for trotters at Flamboro Downs with Kennel Buddy, and in the process the gelding pushed his winning streak to four-in-a-row.
Kennel Buddy started from Post 5 for trainer David Dowling, who watched his star student get away sixth while Hldontghttoyurdrms shot to the top and sliced out fractions of :28.1, :59 and 1:29. Kennel Buddy angled out to catch cover on the way to the half, and his :28.4 closing speed earned him the win by three-quarters of a length over race favourite Hldontghttoyurdrms in 1:58.2. Third prize went to Azucar.
Allan Neal of Grand Bend, Ont. owns the streaking seven-year-old son of Ken Warkentin-Bernice Daniece. The victory improved the trotter’s record to 5-3-1 from 11 trips to the track this season. The $5,500 payday lifted the 31-time winner’s lifetime earnings to $258,561.
Federal Army took matters into his owns hands en route to capturing the $7,500 Preferred 3 for trotters. Trainer/driver Bruce Richardson carved out panels of :28.4, :58.3 and 1:28.4 with the gelding who then used a :29.4 closing quarter to win by two lengths over Giona in 1:58.3. Willyorwonthe was third.
Sent off at odds of 6-1, the six-year-old son of Federal Flex-Authenticate notched his third win of the season for Richardson and partner Peter Irwin of Ayton, Ont. The 18-time winner recently surpassed $100,000 in career earnings.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Flamboro Downs.