A $5,000 conditioned pace topped the first card of the 2021 season at Kawartha Downs, with trainer-driver Mario Baillargeon posting a 1:54.2 victory in the afternoon’s feature with odds-on choice First Glance.
Sent the 3-5 favourite, First Glance floated away sixth from post 4 as Minettasfreeflight flew from post 8 to the lead by a :27.3 opening quarter. Private Scott yielded for the pocket, but promptly swung wide to circle to the lead past a :56.3 half.
While the lead changed passing the stands, Comanche Creek edged outside to eventually lead the two-wide tier with First Glance in tow. Comanche Creek crept closer to pacesetter moving to three-quarters in 1:24.4 but stalled around the final turn. Once angled off a helmet, First Glance fired by the tiring leaders to the lead and continued to roll to the finish of a 1:54.2 mile. Star Dog rallied for second, two lengths behind, while Private Scott held third.
Sired by the late Thinking Out Loud, First Glance competes for Thestable First Glance. The roan sophomore returned $3.20 to win.
Baillargeon lead all trainers on the 10-race card with two wins alongside conditioner Isaac Waxman, who also piloted his two winners. Counting Baillargeon and Waxman, five drivers doubled to win all the races on the afternoon – the other three being Nick Boyd, Tyler Jones and Justin Turcotte.
Total handle on the Saturday card came in at $22,782.
Kawartha Downs resumes racing every Saturday through Sept. 25 for 18 total race dates. First-race post time each race day is at 4:00 p.m. (EDT).
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.