Mateo was untouchable in the $55,400 Alberta Plainsman final for three-year-old pacing colts on Sunday afternoon (June 4) while setting a new divisional track record at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.
Mateo became the fastest three-year-old winner at Century Downs with his 1:52.2 effort. The Blue Burner-Mater Deo gelding lowered the track record set by First Class Horse in 2015 by one-fifth of a second.
Jim Marino drives, trains and co-owns the new record holder with Christine Cutting of Airdrie, Alta.
Mateo left quickly from post three to lead by two lengths through an opening quarter in :27.3 then stole a second quarter breather to the half in :57. Fellow elimination winner Outlaw Blue Ice (Mike Hennessy) advanced first-over to no avail as Mateo picked up the pace to three-quarters in 1:24.1 and then drew off down the stretch with a :28.1 final kicker to win by three and a half lengths. Ima Dude (Brandon Campbell) followed in second-place off a pocket trip while Restros Mystery (Bill Tainsh Jr.) rounded out the top three finishers.
Mateo was the 3-5 favourite and paid $3.20 to win.
The speedy sophomore has earned three (consecutive) wins from six races this year. He has finished no worse than third in 15 career starts, with the Plainsman marking his seventh victory and boosting his bankroll over the $100,000 mark.
The next Alberta Sires Stakes leg for three-year-old pacing colts is the Alberta Marksman, which will begin with eliminations on Sunday, July 9.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Century Downs.