The trip was dreamy and the end result was perfect for longshot Mach Steady, who turned a two-hole trip into an upset triumph in Monday’s $12,000 Open Pace for horse and geldings at Fraser Downs.
John Abbott mapped out the beautiful trip for Mach Steady, who tracked Kootenay Santanna through fractions of :26, :54.4 and 1:23.1 before going on the attack. Abbott fed Mach Steady late racetrack and the gelding fired home in :28.3 to win by a length over Armycaptin Hanover in 1:52. Race favourite Kootenay Santanna was third.
Trained by Randy Rutledge, the eight-year-old son of Mach Three-Forever Holy improved his 2022 record to 4-1-5 from 14 starts with the win. Sent off at odds of 10-1, the 21-time winner lifted his lifetime earnings to $186,114 for owner/breeder Rutledge and partner Jennifer Dodsworth.
Rod Therres had a productive night at the office thanks to a three-win performance with horses from his own barn.
He got the ball rolling with Hurried Romance (1:56.3) in Race 6 and tacked on wins with Kittie Kat (1:59) in Race 7 and Mach Silver (1:53.3) in Race 9.
Therres is enjoying a solid campaign as noted by a record that includes 33 wins – his most since 2019 – and purse earnings of $243,031. His most impressive stat this season is his UTR which sits just one point shy of .400.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Fraser Downs.