Not even a first-over trip could keep Jay Eye Em from striking a pose in the winner’s circle following a 1:52.4 smoke show of a performance in Monday’s $11,500 Preferred 2 for horse and gelding pacers at Grand River Raceway.
With Travis Cullen barking out orders from the racebike, Jay Eye Em got away fourth in the six-horse affair while race favourite American Wiggle shot to the lead from Post 6 and hammered out first-half fractions of :26.4 and :55.3. Jay Eye Em went first-over on the way to the half, and he was just a head behind American Wiggle at the three-quarter pole in 1:24.1.
Jay Eye Em continued to dig and driver, however, and with the help of a :28.3 closing quarter he managed to draw clear to win by 1-3/4 lengths over American Wiggle. Taking home third prize was Kenny Joe.
Cullen shares ownership on the four-year-old son of Big Jim-Charter Flight with trainer Rachel Andrew of Dundas, Ont. The win was his third of the season – and the 14th to date – for the gelding who surpassed $100,000 in lifetime earnings with the win.
Midway Island was bet off the board in the $8,500 Preferred 3 for horse and gelding pacers, and he didn’t disappoint his backers.
The duo of Cullen and Andrew teamed up for the win with the gelding who whacked out fractions of :27.4, :57.4 and 1:26.4 before using a :28-second closing panel to win by five lengths over American Risk in 1:54.4. Chocolate Swirl rounded out the Trifecta ticket.
Sent off as the 1-9 favourite, the six-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere-Up Front Gal improved his 2020 record to 3-0-0 from six attempts while pushing his lifetime win total to 25. He’s banked more than $260,000 to date.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Grand River Raceway.