Dontblvmejustwatch thwarted a steady challenge from Rockemsockem Scott heading into the final turn and drew off to win the 33rd running of the Johnny & Margaret Allan Ian Memorial Pace on Sunday afternoon (July 31) at Inverness Raceway.
With co-owner Randy Getto in the sulky, even-money favourite Dontblvmejustwatch fired to the lead from the inside post while Rockemsockem Scott (Gerard Kennedy) powered up to his outside from post four. The former kept the latter parked out through a :27.4 first quarter and half in :56.4. Still looming outside as they headed into the backstretch, a resurgent Rockemsockem Scott pressed the leader again to three-quarters in 1:27.1, but Dontblvmejustwatch hustled away in the final turn to win by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:55.4. Thunder Alley (Zach Mullins) chased from the pocket in second-place while Rockemsockem Scott settled for third nine lengths behind after his tough overland trip.
Dontblvmejustwatch has been smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy since arriving in Cape Breton, winning against the top pacers twice this week. After taking Wednesday's Inverness Gathering Pace, he returned $4 to win as the favourite in Sunday's featured finale. The victory was his fourth of the year from 17 starts and his 10th lifetime, with the lion's share of the $2,700 purse lifting his bankroll to $84,287.
Randy Getto shares ownership of the five-year-old Hes Watching gelding with Wayne Hardy of Sydney, N.S. and Susan Macsween of River Ryan, N.S. Dana Getto handles the training duties.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Inverness Raceway.