Veteran pacer Secret Weapon returned to the track off a two month layoff and won the $15,000 Preferred 2 Pace at Georgian Downs during Saturday night's harness racing card, which also featured the second round of the Prospector Claiming Series
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Heavy 1-2 favourite Secret Weapon ($3.10) and driver Scott Zeron began a first over attack from fourth after the opening quarter and confronted pacesetter Windsun Callum and Aaron Byron at the third quarter station. The pair battled head-to-head into the stretch with Secret Weapon gaining the upper hand, but having to hold off the pocket-pulling Wild Dragon and Scott Coulter late in the mile. The 10-year-old gelding did just that with a half-length to spare when he hit the wire in 1:53 flat. Windsun Callum settled for third three lengths behind.
Wayne Preszcator trains the Western Hanover gelding for the Secret Weapon Stables of Waterloo, Ont. Secret Weapon's last appearance at Georgian Downs in this class back on Dec. 7, 2011 was also a winning one. He has since earned a pair of victories among the Preferred and Open ranks on the Woodbine Entertainment Group circuit. Saturday's win marked the 51st time he's visited the winner's circle and boosted his bankroll to $621,250.
The Prospector Claiming Series continued with two $12,000 divisions for $15,000 claimers that are non-winners of $60,000 lifetime as of March 15. The first division went to favourite Pretty Boy Cam ($4) and Robert Shepherd in a three-horse photo in 1:57 for P.E.I. trainer-driver Sean Macswain while second fave Diditagain Hanover ($6.30) and Aaron Byron took the second split in a career-best-equalling 1:54.4 for trainer Nicholas Boyd of Guelph, Ont., who co-owns with Paul Badder of Cronton, Ont.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Georgian Downs.