Sunshine Boy seized back his crown in the $10,000 Preferred Pace at Fraser Downs with an authoritative victory on Friday, April 12 after settling for second place in a pair of recent photo finishes to Armycaptin Hanover.
Driver Scott Knight deployed his customary front-end strategy for Sunshine Boy, leaving from post four and clearing usual first leaver Itll Be Fine (David Hudon) at the quarter pole in :27.2. Sunshine Boy opened up a couple lengths as he raced on to the half in :56.1 while outside assignee and 1-2 favourite Armycaptin Hanover (Allan Molloy) launched his first-over attack from the back of the five-pack. Armycaptin Hanover was only able to gain third place this time out as Sunshine Boy forged on to three-quarters in 1:23.4 and finished 2-1/4 lengths to the good in 1:52 flat. He paid $4.90 to win as the 7-5 second choice. Itll Be Fine held on for second over Armycaptin Hanover.
Sunshine Boy now boasts five wins and three seconds -- only defeated by Armycaptin Hanover this meet -- from eight seasonal starts while banking $33,000 for trainer Jim Marino, who also co-owns with J J J Stables and Paul Sanders. A career winner of 28 races, the six-year-old Sunshine Beach-Betterfrombehind gelding has banked just shy of $280,000 from 76 starts.
Marino, who also won the prior race with Mister Moose ($4.40), now has 27 wins this year at Fraser and was matched atop the leaderboard when Kelly Hoerdt had a training triple with Everyones Hero ($6.10), Light My Shadow ($2.90) and Joe Dimagio ($4.80). Hoerdt, also leading in the driver standings, was aboard his stable's winners and one more for trainer Travis Tracey as Credit Is Magic ($10.70) won the opener.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)