Counter Strike added another stakes title to his resume and pushed his win streak into the double-digits with a victory in the $30,000 final of the As Promised Stakes on Sunday, May 15 at Century Downs.
Trainer/driver Travis Cullen and Jerry Hagenaars co-own the four-year-old son of Camystic, who now boasts back-to-back stakes titles after sweeping his eliminations and the finals of the Prairie Boys in April and As Promised this month.
In the As Promised final, Counter Strike took back to seventh early on from his outer post while Royal Renegade (Mike Hennessy) got off to a quick start with Man Of Many Arts (Phil Giesbrecht) driving up to find a spot in the pocket.
Royal Renegade posted a 28-second opening panel and began to back down the pace to the half in :58.1. Meanwhile, Cullen made his move with Counter Strike and they began to pick off rivals.
Counter Strike worked to clear Royal Renegade before the final turn as the pace picked up to three-quarters in 1:25.1 and then opened up on top en route to the 1:55.1 victory. Royal Renegade chased the roan gelding home, finishing nearly four lengths behind, while Man Of Many Arts (Phil Giesbrecht) tried to improve his position as he rallied outside down the stretch, but stayed for third.
Counter Strike was the 3-5 favourite and paid $3.40 to win.
The As Promised Stakes was for three and four-year-old male pacers that are non-winners of $35,000 lifetime as of December 31, 2015. Counter Strike has prospered in his four-year-old campaign, winning 11 of his 12 races this year and adding over $65,000 to his bankroll.
Earlier on the Sunday program, Ed Hensley drove his first winner since being injured in an accident one month ago, taking this week's $10,500 Open Pace with 6-5 favourite Audreys Dream. The eight-year-old Rocknroll Hanover gelding crossed to command in a quick opening quarter and drew off to a five and a quarter length victory. He has now posted back-to-back 1:52.4 winning miles in the Open for the driver/trainer duo of Ed and Ashleigh Hensley. Beren Hanover (Allan Molloy) edged out Get Thereovernight (Bill Tainsh Jr.) in a photo for place.
Cullen sent out three consecutive winners (including Counter Strike) from his own stable and also drove another victor for the Hensley stable. Phil Giesbrecht enjoyed a driving triple as the only other multiple-race winner on Sunday's 10-dash card.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Century Downs.