Sophomore filly Vindaloo Hanover streaked into the City of London Series and notched her fourth straight victory during Friday night's elimination round for trotters at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Trainer Pam Forgie's Vindaloo Hanover ($7.70) overcame early interference in rein to Scott Young in her $7,000 elimination and prevailed by a head over the favoured late-breaker, Holiday Harlot, in 2:01.3. Vimy Ridge Venus finished two lengths behind in third off a pocket trip. Winless in 10 starts as a freshman, the Glidemaster miss is now six-for-nine this year.
Pulling off an 18-1 upset in the other filly and mare trot elimination, Oaklea Farm's homebred three-year-old Sorority Secret ($38) earned her first career win in 2:02.2 with J.B. Renaud in the sulky for trainer Paul Walker. The Angus Hall filly was on top at every call and won by a length over 31-1 longshot Alvinston Tracy while Angelic Speed finished third and favourite Absynthe Hanover salvaged fourth.
Warrawee Usain ($7.20) also broke his maiden with a 2:02.3 mile in the first elimination for male trotters. The three-year-old Royalty For Life colt made the lead at the quarter-pole and fought back when headed by Tourist Attraction to win by two lengths for trainer/driver Tyler Borth, who shares ownership with William Borth and Martin Hossack. True Custom recovered from a miscue leaving for the lead and came on for the show spot.
The final male trot elimination was the fastest as three-year-old Raising Royalty ($2.50) cruised wire-to-wire to notch his second straight victory in 1:59.3 for driver Marc St Louis and conditioner Stephane Bossence. Stephen Palermo owns the lightly raced Royalty For Life gelding, who won by 2-3/4 lengths over The Great Farini, with Northern Tailwind following across the line in third.
The City of London Series is for Ontario-sired horses that are non-winners of $10,000 lifetime as of February 28. The trotting and pacing divisional finals will be contested next Friday, May 31 at The Raceway as part of the rich Camluck Classic Night.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - The Raceway.