Icy Blue Scooter ($5.10) has been on an absolute tear of late in the western half of North America. After a strong winter at Cal-Expo, the Nathan Sobey trainee posted a 1:53.1 victory in just his second start back at Century Downs on Monday afternoon (May 20), capturing the $9,000 Open Pace on Victoria Day.
After finishing first or second in his last six starts in Sacramento and suffering a narrow defeat to Retros Mystery in his return to Century on May 12, the six-year-old Blue Burner gelding was content to stalk from fourth early before commencing a first-over bid with five-eighths to go. After only making mild ground into a :57 half from Retros Mystery (David Kelly), Icy Blue Scooter turned on the jets up the far side, forcing a :27.3 third sectional before sticking his nose in front midway through the final turn.
Off the corner for home, Icy Blue Scooter was urged by Sobey to edge clear of Retros Mystery, and he worked to finally put away his rival in the last 70 yards. Ultimately, Icy Blue Scooter prevailed by a going-away 2-1/2 lengths, while Sabine Pass (Paul Davies) escaped the pocket to collar Retros Mystery for second in the final strides.
The win was Icy Blue Scooter's seventh of the season and the 19th of his career. Sobey shares ownership with Diane Bertrand and Robert Gilhespy.
Ryan Grundy had a very productive Monday afternoon as noted in his Grand Slam performance.
He swept the Daily Double with Hay Hay Alright (1:56.2) and Gray Zee (1:56.1) before returning to victory lane in Race 8 with Jenn On The Rocks (1:59.1). He capped off his big day by taking Race 10 with Senga Nitro (1:55.1).
The four-win performance bumped this year’s win total to 20 while his seasonal earnings surpassed $100,000. The career winner of 458 races has racked up purse earnings in excess of $2.2 million to date.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results – Century Downs.