Truro Raceway’s defending two-time Horse of the Year American Risk showed no signs of rust on opening day for qualifiers at the Bible Hill, N.S. half-mile oval on Sunday, going gate to wire in a sharp-looking 1:58.3 qualifying effort.
In rein to Paul Langille, American Risk took complete command from the outset, carving out fractions of :29.3, 1:00.3 and 1:30.2 before putting up at :28.1 final quarter to leave the rest of the field in his wake. Trained by George Rennison for the Risky Bizz Group of Truro, N.S., the seven-year-old son of American Ideal posted the fastest time of seven qualifiers.
The second fastest qualifying winner was Er Quinn for trainer Chris Covin. The 11-year-old son of Total Truth went on a front-end mission from the outset with Kirk Parris guiding him through fractions of :30, 1:00.4 and 1:31.1 before closing in :29.2 for a 2:00.2 score over Boo Yaya and Hardy Mill Joe. Owned by Cc Stables of Middle Sackville, N.S., Er Quinn was a reliable claimer at Truro last year, taking a season's mark of 1:56.2.
Other qualifying winners were: Saulsbrook Diva and driver Carl Isenor in 2:05.2; Mirimichi Walter and Langille in 2:04; The Midnight Train and Paul Treves in 2:03.1; Crime Boss and Greg Munro in 2:04.3; and The Generals Pride and George Rennison in 2:01.2.
Qualifying resumes next Sunday, April 30 at noon, before opening day on Sunday, May 7 with a 1 p.m. Atlantic post time. Truro Raceway will introduce the lowest Pick 5 takeout in the country at 12 per cent when racing starts this season.
To view Sunday's complete qualifying results, click the following link: Sunday Results (Qualifiers) - Truro Raceway.
(With files from Truro Raceway)