Invinceable B ($29.20) stood his ground to defy the odds in Sunday (June 18) afternoon’s $5,000 featured Preferred 3 pacing event at Clinton Raceway, withstanding an early battle before parrying a late push from Jake Loewen to prevail in 1:58.
Natasha Day put the five-year-old Whosurboy gelding in play from the outset, but the duo were faced with a pair of early challenges from Jackstan (Ryan Holliday) and Grits N Gravy (Tyler Moore). While Grits N Gravy retreated after being parked three-wide on the first turn, Jackstan pushed Invinceable B to a :28 first quarter before settling into the pocket. On approach to the midway point, Poplar Duke (Tom Smith) emerged from his midfield stalking spot to apply first-over pressure, forcing Invinceable B through middle splits of :57.2 and 1:27.2 before stalling.
Despite having put away his direct challenger up the far side, Invinceable B started to show signs of fatigue with three-sixteenths to go, and was all-out to not only hold Jackstan—who pulled pocket on the final turn—at bay the length of the stretch, but also a three-wide bid from Jake Loewen (Travis Henry), who overcame stalled cover, surged to take second in the shadow of the wire, and missed Invinceable B by the slimmest of margins. Jackstan stayed on between foes to finish third.
Kevin Campbell owns and trains Invinceable B, whose third win on the season increases his career tally to 10.
The card kicked off with a $22 gate-to-wire winner, as Sporty Diva held on for the photo finish for owner George McClure of Clinton and driver Travis Henry over both Shanghai Noodle and Poppy Pomfrey. The longshots continued to impress the crowd with a $28.50 in the fifth, $16.70 in the sixth, $29.20 in the aforementioned seventh race feature, and $20 in the 10th and final race of the day. The day's wagering handle fell just over the $21,000 mark.
As part of the Father's Day festivities, the Super Sunday Show featured baked goods and gift certificates for Dad from Bartliff's Restaurant and Bakery in downtown Clinton. Jeff Schellenberger took home the Father's Day prize of a brand new BBQ, box of steaks and a BBQ set.
Community Living Central Huron was on hand for a track side fundraiser with a BBQ, 50/50 and Raffle, raising just over $2,000 for programming in Central Huron. Each week of the live race season features a different group or club in the area raising money for their respective causes.
A new feature, the Hillbilly Horses made their second appearance following race nine on Sunday. Four fathers gave it their all, bouncing down the track, all taking home a box of squares from Bartliffs, a Clinton Raceway t-shirt and hat. Stu took home the winning prize of $20 in betting vouchers.
Live harness racing continues Sunday, June 25 with the Mitchell Optimist Club hosting the track side fundraiser.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.
(With files and photos from Clinton Raceway)