Overlooked at odds of 22-1 after making a break in stride in the stretch last week, Kendal Gustav rebounded for the upset win in Wednesday night's featured $11,000 Preferred 2 Trot at Grand River Raceway.
Away sixth early on while a trio of leavers battled for the lead, Kendal Gustav and driver Lorne House followed the cover of Maddysonofagun before collaring that foe into the stretch and drawing clear for the two length victory in a season's best 1:54.3. Maddysonofagun held off the quick-closing Mach Of Ballykeel for the second-place honours.
Pulling off the biggest upset of the night, Kendal Gustav returned $47 to his faithful backers for a $2 win ticket.
The Life Sign gelding is owned by trainer Scott McNiven of Putnam, Ont., Thomas Brodhurst of London, Ont. and Shirley Griffin of St. Thomas, Ont.
The win was his sixth in 19 starts this year and lifted his seasonal earnings over $35,000. Lifetime, the five-year-old pacer has collected 23 wins, 19 seconds and nine thirds in 93 starts for a bankroll of more than $150,000.
Brian Allen's Fit For Will ($14.10) and driver Phil Hudon rallied off the cover of eventual runner-up Sharelife to win the $7,000 Preferred 3 Pace in 1:57.2 with pacesetter Slots Of Fun finishing third.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Grand River Raceway.