Driver Reg Gassien, last season's leading driver, steered the winners of the first and last races of the 10-race welcome back card at Kawartha Downs on Saturday (June 6).
In the bike for owner-trainer Dana Lloyd, Gassien took the opener -- a $3,400 conditioned pace -- behind Master Smile with a pylon trip in 1:57.2.
Stalking pacesetter No Panic, Master Smile raced third at the pegs through fractions of :28.3, :57.4 and 1:27. Race-favourite Jetset Charmer, off at 3-2, mounted a first-over bid passing the half but stalled rounding the final turn. Room opened for pocket-sitter Halton Hurricane to slide into contention in the stretch but No Panic fought back gamely. However Master Smile, from three lengths off the lead, charged at the dueling leaders and landed a neck in front at the finish. No Panic and Halton Hurricane hit the wire together, finishing second in a dead heat.
A seven-year-old gelding by Vintage Master, Master Smile returned $8.30 to win.
Sandwiching a night of double-digit winners, Gassien hit the winner’s circle with odds-on favourite Privilege in the nightcap -- a $4,800 conditioned pace.
Away fifth through a :28.3 first quarter, Gassien angled Privilege first over passing a :58.1 half and brushed to the lead heading to three-quarters in 1:27.1. Privilege slightly widened his lead through the stretch over Shad racing in second and Ohbabyohbabyohbaby in third to win by two-and-a-half lengths in a 1:56 mile.
Trained by Gassien, Privilege -- a four-year-old gelding by Sunshine Beach -- races for Barry McClennan and Reg Gassien Farms Ltd. He paid $3.30 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.