Owner/trainer Ian Downey swept the top two spots in the $8,500 Preferred 3 Trot at Flamboro Downs with longshots Excellence and Angels Kid just heads apart at the wire of an eventful Thursday night finale.
Eleven-year-old Kadabra mare Excellence got the first call leaving out from post five in rein to driver J Harris, but Waikiki Hanover and Scott Coulter pushed ahead from the inside for the leading role.
Excellence tucked into the pocket spot as Constantino, driven by Natasha Day, broke stride to her inside. Constantino was taken into the safety lane where he galloped ahead of the field to the halfway mark before eventually crossing to the outside of the track.
Meanwhile, Excellence followed Waikiki Hanover until the stretch where she rallied by inside to score in 1:58.2 with Angels Kid and Jason Ryan also closing along the pylons to finish just a neck back in second. Waikiki Hanover held on for third, finishing one length behind.
Sent postward at odds of 19-1, Excellence paid $41.20 to win and combined with 22-1 shot Angels Kid for a $401.10 exactor.
Costantino finished eighth and was placed ninth for failing to continuously lose ground while off stride.
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Thursday Results - Flamboro Downs.