Sent the second longest shot on the board, Esquire ground uncovered to take the $13,000 Preferred 2 Trot on Sunday (July 11) at Georgian Downs.
Driver Colin Kelly landed Esquire into fourth from post 7 while 6-5 favourite Power And Grace protected position from the pylon post to lead the field past a :28 first quarter. She continued unchallenged on the lead to a :57.3 half while Kelly readied Esquire for a first-over blitz, and promptly ranged towards the leader to take a slight advantage passing three-quarters in 1:25.3. Esquire downed Power And Grace moving to the final turn while Serenity Cruise kicked off cover into the stretch and rallied late after the leader, but finished a half length short of victory in a 1:54.4 mile. Power And Grace settled for third.
Returning $45.30 to win, Esquire won his second race from seven starts this season and his 19th from 88 overall, earning $189,286. Mark Goddard trains the eight-year-old gelding by Kadabra for owner Brandon Guerra.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Georgian Downs.