The Manitoba Great Western Harness Racing Circuit moved to Holland Fair this weekend and featured the first legs of the Golden Boys and Silk Lace stakes.
Three-year-old Manitoba-sired pacing colts competed in a pair of $4,048 Golden Boy divisions on Saturday, which were won by Western Favor and Heartland Burt. On Sunday, What A Promise inherited the victory in the $4,106 division of the Silk Lace for the fillies.
Roland Rey's homebred Whatayasay colt Western Favor collared race leader Heartland Eclipse off a three-hole to win his division in 2:08.2 over a "good" track. The victory was his first in three career starts. Als Happy Baylor finished 11 lengths behind in third while Copper Cash was a distant fourth in the short field.
The undefeated Heartland Burt dominated his five-horse division winning by 32 lengths in 2:05.2 with Marc Fillion in tow. Rocket Power won the race for place over Wheels Rollin while Johnny Dirtspitter was interfered with by early breaker Cruzininmyjamys resulting in both horses dropping out of contention. Kevin Hildebrandt trains the Armbro Baylor gelding, who is now three-for-three in his career, for owner Allan Drader.
What A Promise and driver Richard Remillard inherited the victory in the Silk Lace split on Sunday as early leader Cordees Whitesocks broke stride near the half-mile mark and caused interference to the rest of the field. What A Promise was left on the lead before Cordees Whitesocks regrouped and reeled her in, however, she was placed sixth for causing the interference. What A Promise's mile time was 2:14.2 over the off track. The homebred daughter of Whatayasay, who earned her maiden-breaking victory in her third career start, is owned and trained by Barry McNaughton. Heartland Spark and Trishas Fantasy were bumped up to second and third, respectively, due to the placing.
In the $1,750 Fillies & Mares Open Pace, Gold Star Sonata came back on to defeat last week's winner Wild Chic in 2:04.1 by a nose on Sunday for driver Don Howlett and owner/trainer Trevor Williams. Smoky Moon finished 13 lengths behind in third.
Live harness racing continues next weekend at Miami, with post time set for 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
To view this weekend's harness racing results, click on the following link: Holland Fair Results.