The third leg of the Friendship Pacing Series hit Kawartha Downs on Saturday night with two divisions, neither of which were kind to the post-time favourites
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In the first division for three-year-olds and up who were non-winners of $100,000 in 2010, Panda Bear was expected to deliver the goods at even money. Driver Scott Coulter had the pacer out for the lead through an opener of :26.4 before making the front and carving out splits of :55.1 and 1:23.4 with Western Tsunami (Bill Davis) at his wheel. Panda Bear could not hold off the force of the challenger as Davis engineered a 10-1 upset with a 1:53 win for owners Jeffrey & Debbie Elchuk of Surrey, B.C.
In the second division, Coulter was able to avenge for his loss as the public choice by knocking one off himself. Royal Becquet (James MacDonald) was expected to cruise to victory but Coulter and Hilarious Halo had other ideas. After Royal Becquet opened up with a :26.4 first panel before backing it down to a :56.1 half, Hilarious Halo was on the move to challenge and forge past the pacesetter before the 1:23.4 third station. With enough left in the tank for a :27.4 closer, Hilarious Halo held off a stubborn Donegal Gerald (Tony Kerwood) by a neck in a sharp 1:51.3 for trainer Brad Shakes and owners Dan Mogridge of Hillsdale and Jeffrey Oborne of Jordan Station, Ont.
The fourth leg of the series is set for next Saturday, May 28 at Georgian Downs before the $40,000 (added) final on June 4 at Kawartha.
For full results from Kawartha's Saturday night card of harness racing, please click the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.