After pulling off a 49-1 upset in his elimination of the Brad Gunn Stake last weekend, No Fear overcame a trailing post nine start in the $50,000 final on Friday night at Alberta Downs.
Favourite Sterling Advocate (Kelly Hoerdt) established the lead after a contested opening quarter of :26.1, during which Outlawtowerinferno (Rod Hennessy) made a costly break causing interference with Outlaw Beacon (Jim Marino). Once settled on top, Sterling Advocate took a breather to the half in :55.1 and led the way to three-quarters in 1:23.4. Meanwhile, driver Brandon Campbell sent No Fear first over from fourth and the 7-2 second choice took over command in the stretch en route to a career-best 1:53 triumph by a length and three-quarters over the rallying Arroway (Jamie Gray) and Playbook (Bobby Clark).
The time of the mile was more than a full second better than the track record for sophomore colts, held by Caress Of Steel and Playbook. Gelding Clintons Escape holds the overall male record for three-year-olds of 1:50.2, which is also the all-age track record.
No Fear paid $9.10 to win this time out. The No Pan Intended-Michelles Heart gelding is trained by Sanford Campbell and owned by Bill Andrew, George Rogers, and Jim MacPhail of Calgary, Alta. After going winless in 10 freshman starts, No Fear has won four of his 10 sophomore starts while boosting his bankroll to $42,680.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Alberta Downs.