In his past two starts at the Preferred level, Donald Rankin has carved out all the fractions before being beat by a mere quarter-length in the stretch. In this week’s edition of the $11,000 Not Listed Preferred Trot at Sudbury
Downs, the nine-year-old son of Conway Hall finally managed to fend off his rivals for the mild 5-1 upset.
Leaving from Post 5, Donald Rankin and driver/co-owner Paul MacLean took command of the field and rolled through early panels of :29.3 and :59.4 before facing his first challenger, Speedy Desperado (David Dowling). The duo battled on top past three-quarters in 1:30, then Donald Rankin dug in and used a :29.4 closing quarter to hold off another charge from his favoured stablemate and last week’s winner, Roan Star (Wayne MacLean). Donald Rankin prevailed by half a length in 1:59.4. Speedy Desperado finished a length back in third.
MacLean shares ownership of the bay gelding with Brenda Gauthier of Azilda, Ont. Trained by France MacLean, Donald Rankin won for the first time this year in seven starts. The 24-time career winner has banked $242,241 to date.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click here.