Riding a pocket trip, Pretty Handsome lunged for the lead late in the mile and snagged victory in the $11,500 Horses and Geldings Preferred 2 Pace at Georgian Downs on Sunday (June 14).
Uptown Funk cleared command from Pretty Handsome heading to a :26.2 first quarter and slowed the tempo to a :56 half. Jay Eye Em tipped first over from third moving to the backside and ranged to race alongside Uptown Funk as the pace quickened to three-quarters in 1:22.4. Pretty Handsome remained in the pocket awaiting room to pace, which opened entering the stretch. Shooting up the rail, Pretty Handsome overtook the tiring leaders while Sir Pugsley, from third over, charged down the centre of the course late but hit the finish a half-length shy of victory in a 1:52.1 mile. Pro Beach closed for third.
A five-year-old gelding by Mach Three, Pretty Handsome won his 26th race from 52 starts, earning $255,555 for owner Glenview Livestock Ltd. Colin Kelly drove the $2.60 winner for trainer Lacey McCabe.
Leaving from the outermost post in a seven-horse field, Azure Seelster swept to the front and held onto command narrowly to take the $10,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 2 Pace earlier on the card.
Driver Tyler Moore sent the five-year-old Shadow Play mare for the front and faced little challenge through fractions of :26.4, :54.4 and 1:23.1. However as the hot tempo slowed to the final turn Outlaw Imahotvixen angled off the pylons from third to try and challenge for the lead, though she stalled heading into the stretch. Sports Flix, off a pocket trip, slid off Moore’s helmet to contest for the lead late, but Azure Seelster hit the finish with a neck advantage on Sports Flix in a 1:52.1 mile. Outlaw Imahotvixen settled for third.
Owned by Les Ecuries Dorleans Inc., Azure Seelster won her second race from 10 starts this season and her 18th from 79 overall, earning $237,704. Jacques Dupont conditions the $10.80 winner.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Georgian Downs.