A pair of $18,400 Preferred events highlighted the 12-race program at Western Fair Raceway on Monday
, with Pacific Oak getting the better of his pacing rivals and Nobananas showing no mercy to his trotting foes.
Brad Forward guided Nobananas to a 2:03 victory over a track listed as “Good” by the ORC Judges. The eight-year-old son of Earl was parked while sitting fifth at the quarter pole, but he marched to the frond and proceeded to chop out middle panels of 1:01.2 and 1:31.2 en route to the win. Trottin Troy, the winner of last week’s Preferred event, was second and Loose Change Louie finished third.
Trainer Kim Matthews co-owns the veteran with partner Murray Cox of Rockwood, Ontario. It was the gelding’s third consecutive victory, and it improved his 2009 record to 3-1-0 in five starts. The 29-time winner has banked more than $310,000 to date.
It was a round trip to the winner’s circle for Pacific Oak, who survived a first-over journey to take home top prize in his assignment for trainer/driver Kenny Oliver.
The six-year-old son of Pacific Rocket wore down pacesetter Tipper Too en route to posting the 1:59.3 victory. XLB Patrick enjoyed a ground-saving trip and finished second in the eight-horse affair, with Tipper Too fading late to finish third.
Pacific Oak has assembled a 3-1-1 record in his first seven starts of the season for owners Shirley & Kerry House of St. Jacobs, Ontario. The 22-time winner boasts more than $208,000 in lifetime earnings.
To view Monday’s results, click here.