Better Be Gouda proved sharp at The Raceway at Western Fair District, front-stepping his way to victory in the $11,600 Preferred Pace, which highlighted the evening's 10-race card on Monday, April 29.
Leaving from post four in the field of eight, driver Travis Henry and Better Be Gouda shot to the lead, clearing before the turn before leading the field through a :27.3 opening quarter. Henry grabbed into the 2-1 second-choice in the second quarter, tapping the brakes to the halfway point in :57.4. Docsphillycheese (Alfie Carroll) was the first to move from third, moving into second on the outside as the pace picked up once again to three-quarters in 1:25.3. Spinning for home a length clear, Better Be Gouda braced for a challenge as room opened up for pocket-sitter Ideal Perception (Anthony Haughan) to take a shot to the outside of the leader. Better Be Gouda dug in gamely in the lane, posting a :29.1 final quarter to cross the line a length in front in 1:54.4 over Ideal Perception. Pembrook Legacy N (Lorne House) rallied for third to round out the trifecta.
The victory was the fourth in 15 seasonal outings for the Blake MacIntosh trainee. Owned by Leanne Murphy, the eight-year-old gelded son of Betterthancheddar-My Ideal has now banked $234,260 for his career to go along with 29 lifetime victories.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)