Last season’s leading trainer Dave Kelly came back to The Track on 2 with similar force to score a hat trick on the opening card Sunday afternoon (July 2).
Kelly’s first win came in the afternoon’s feature, a $5,800 event, from off the speed with Tropical Dragon in 1:57.4. Starting from the pylon post, Tropical Dragon settled into fourth as Munchie Chris carved early fractions of :28, :58.1 and 1:28. Pocket-sitter Tiempo Hanover crept off the pegs turning for home and grabbed a narrow lead while Tropical Dragon split through traffic and Electric Amadeus came charging from last in the final eighth. Tropical Dragon pushed through and held tight at the finish by a quarter length with Electric Amadeus settling for second, Tiempo Hanover in third and Munchie Chris fourth.
Dave Kelly co-owns Tropical Dragon, a six-year-old gelded son of Custard The Dragon, with Mike Dicks. Kelly piloted the gelding, who paid $15.70 to win.
In the following race, Kelly returned to the winner’s circle with Show Stop (1:59.4 winning mile; $6.50 to win) and had the top-two finishers. He completed his natural hat trick in the next race by guiding Beep Bop A Lula (1:59.4; $4.40) to victory as the 6-5 favourite.
Racing at The Track on 2 continues through Sept. 17 with cards one day a week and select weeks holding an additional day of racing. The next live program is slated for next Sunday, July 9.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – The Track on 2.