Sent the even-money favourite, Brave World rushed to the top early and cruised to a length-and-a-quarter victory in the $12,700 Preferred 2 Handicap Pace at Flamboro Downs on Sunday, May 26.
The five-year-old Royal Mattjesty gelding led unchallenged through fractions of :27.4, :56.3 and 1:25 with Toot Toot N sitting the pocket. Casimir Richie P—parked the mile—slowly advanced towards the lead over the course of the mile, going from fifth at the quarter to second on the wire. Toot Toot N gave chase in third as Brave World stopped the clock in 1:53.
Owned by Engel Stable Of Il LLC, JL Benson Stables Inc. and Tonianne Fuoco, Brave World won his fourth race from 16 starts this season and his 19th from 93 overall, earning $234,446. Richard Moreau conditions the $4.00 and Louis-Philippe Roy sat in the sulky.
Favourite Majestic Kat also wired her competition later on the card, taking the $12,700 Preferred 2 Handicap Trot by two-and-a-quarter lengths in 1:56.1.
Driver Marc St. Louis Jr. sent the Patrick Shepherd trainee to the top from post 4 while Willyorwonthe hurried from post 7 into the pocket moving to a :27.4 opening quarter. Mister Muscle edged off the cones from fourth and applied mild first-over pressure on Majestic Kat past a :58 half and a 1:26.2 third quarter before retreating into the final turn. Majestic Kat cruised into the lane ahead of Willyorwonthe despite having broken equipment while Katch Kanna, stalking the top two, finished third.
A five-year-old mare by Majestic Son, Majestic Kat won her sixth race from 14 starts this season and her 17th from 69 overall, earning $251,127. The $4.80 winner races for owners Vogel And Wags Nags Stable, Jack Rice and Pine Hill Racing.
Bettor Bb also wired his competition to take the $9,400 Preferred 3 Pace by one-and-three-quarter lengths in 1:53.1.
The four-year-old Bettors Delight ridgling pushed from the pylon post towards the top while Paparazzi Hanover, from post 2, ducked into the pocket heading to a :27.3 first quarter. Odds-on favourite On The Virg, sitting fourth, angled first over approaching a :57.2 half and ranged towards the leader passing a 1:25.2 third quarter. On The Virg lost ground circling the final turn while Bettor Bb cut the corner and strolled through the lane. Paparazzi Hanover held second while On The Virg settled for third.
Co-owned by trainer Craig Barss with Nurko Sokolovic, Bettor Bb won her fifth race from 16 starts this season and her eighth from 54 overall, earning $80,534. Brett MacDonald drove the $8.50 winner.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.