Trainer Dave Kelly enjoyed a productive afternoon on a special Sunday, June 16 card at Century Downs with a training triple highlighted by Preferred winner Bonus Round.
Bonus Round flashed early gate speed for Kelly in the $12,500 feature pace to establish the lead from post five over inside leaver Samba Beat (Phil Giesbrecht). The 6-5 favourite fronted the field of six through a :28.2 quarter and :57.1 half before facing any challenges. Icey Blue Scooter (Nathan Sobey) moved first-up from third to press the pacesetter to three-quarters in 1:25.3 but only got to his wheel as Bonus Round paced away by 3-1/2 lengths through the final quarter to win in 1:53.3 over the 'good' track. Samba Beat regained second-place while Icey Blue Scooter finished third.
Bonus Round earned his third Preferred win of the season from eight starts for owner Pick 6 Stable of Strathmore, Alta. The six-year-old Santanna Blue Chip-Bouncing Hanover gelding now has 16 victories lifetime and earnings of $164,135. He paid $4.40 to win.
Kelly also sent out winners Bouncing Credit ($19.50), with Gilles Bouvier catch-driving for the three-year-old colt's maiden victory, and Tin Can Timmy ($7.80), with Logan Gillis driving in a head decision over stablemate General Custard.
Coming off a career-year in 2023 when his stable earned 87 wins and more than $640,000 in purses, Kelly brought his 2024 training win total to 23 by the conclusion of Sunday's 10-race card.
Kelly also made an appearance in the winner's circle after a driving win in rein to Montana Slim ($3.60) for trainer Kelly Crump.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Century Downs.
(Standardbred Canada; Photo of Bonus Round from a previous win)