Driver Travis Cullen cleared control with Jodie Cullen trainee Dontpokethedragon and held sway to the end to take the $11,000 Horses & Geldings Preferred Pace at Grand River Raceway on Wednesday night (July 6).
The five-year-old Custard The Dragon gelding grabbed the top from pylon-starter Casimir Richie P before a :27.3 first quarter and cruised uncontested to a :57.3 half. Champagne Phil mounted a first-over challenge out of third into the backside but only reached the leader's wheel approaching three-quarters in 1:26. His uncovered challenge flattened off the corner as Casimir Richie P took final aim at the pacesetter in the stretch, though he only gave futile pursuit as the 3-2 favourite coasted by the beam three-quarter lengths better in 1:54.4. Casimir Richie P settled for second while Champagne Phil held third and Exit Smiling finished another five lengths behind in fourth.
Dontpokethedragon competes for owners J J J Stables, Paul Sanders and Travis Cullen. He earned his second win from 14 starts this season. Dontpokethedragon has won 19 races from 68 overall, accruing $191,730 in earnings. He paid $5 to win.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results - Grand River Raceway.