A pair of $8,500 Preferred 3 events highlighted the Tuesday (June 16) program at Georgian Downs, with Graceful emerging victorious in the Preferred 3 Trot and Smooth Mara N in the Preferred 3 Pace.
Graceful raced fourth to a :27.4 first quarter set by Caviars Triumph. Superlative, the 6-5 favourite, edged off the pylons and brushed to the top, leading to the half in :57.1 while Graceful began a first-over grind for the front. The four-year-old Muscle Hill mare edged to a length-and-a-quarter lead passing three-quarters in 1:25.3 and coasted through the stretch to a 1:55 win over Superlative, with Caviars Triumph finishing third.
Owned by Lachance Racing Stable and Dragon Racing Inc., Graceful has won two races from two starts this season and his sixth from 26 overall, earning $72,320. Travis Henry drove the $6.40 winner for trainer Martin Lachance.
In the Preferred 3 Pace, Smooth Mara N yielded the lead to Artistic Pick heading to a :27.4 first quarter but soon retook command and slowed the tempo to a :58.4 half. Smooth Mara N endured first-over pressure from Walter Mitty passing three-quarters in 1:27 before that challenger faltered around the final turn. Artistic Pick popped pocket into the stretch to contest the lead late, but finished three-quarter lengths behind Smooth Mara N in a 1:55.1 mile. Premier Rockstar, the 3-1 favourite, closed from second over for third.
An eight-year-old gelding by Lis Mara, Smooth Mara N won his second race from 11 starts this season and his 17th from 96 overall, earning $96,299. Ed Hensley drove the $13.10 winner for trainer Ashleigh Hensley.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Georgian Downs.