Kevin Gillis's homebred pacer Kenny Joe overcame his assigned outside post to win the featured Preferred 3 Handicap at Dresden Raceway on Sunday afternoon, July 16.
Kenny Joe trailed a gapped out seven-horse field at the start of the $5,000 feature, but the popular pacer moved up second-over for the second lap around the track and rallied by them all to win going away in 1:57 flat under the direction of driver Dan Clements. Life Is Better (Ken Oliver), who was parked out the entire route, finished 3-3/4 lengths behind in second while Livin Large (Garrett Rooney) edged out pacesetter Private Scott (Scott Wray) for third.
Kenny Joe was the 7-5 favourite and paid $4.80 to win. The seven-year-old gelding by Shadow Play earned his second straight victory following three narrow losses in the local Preferred 3 class.
"I was just hoping there was some action early and, you know, we got gapped out a little bit, but he's such a nice horse, he can overcome a lot," commented Clements after the race. "I'm more of a come-from-behind type driver anyways and he just suits my style perfect. He's the best horse I drive every week."
The win was his fourth in 18 starts this year for Kenny Joe and his 21st victory lifetime, pushing his bankroll over $145,000.
The feature race was named in memory of former NHLer and horse owner Ken Houston, a native of Dresden, Ont.
The win was part of the driving triple on the 11-race card for Clements.
After notching a milestone 50th career win last week at Dresden Raceway, nine-year-old Manitoba-sired pacing mare Reys N A Rocket landed right back in the winner's circle. The Mattarocket distaffer picked up her more recent wins racing in the care of trainer/driver Robert Doyle and owner Daniel Mead, but was claimed on Sunday for $10,625 by Cameron McQueen and Kyle Strejch.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Dresden Raceway.