Shipping to Georgian Downs for the first time this year, Kyles Secret was victorious in the featured $10,000 Preferred 2 Handicap Pace for fillies and mares on Saturday night (August 13) over a 'sloppy' track.
Driver Robert Shepherd moved Kyles Secret ($13.60) into the outer flow third-over during the second panel and tracked De Valeria's three-wide move before rallying by that rival and catching the popular pacesetter Rubis Prescott (:27, :56, 1:25) in the final turn. The five-year-old Secrets Nephew mare then drew off in the stretch to win by nearly three lengths in 1:54 flat. Rubis Prescott stayed for second while Ninette B, who was last through the first half-mile, came on for third.
Prior to Saturday's Preferred, Kyles Secret had competed at Rideau Carleton Raceway and Mohawk Racetrack this year. She now has nine wins from 29 seasonal starts and earnings just over $30,000. Gerard Demers trains the five-year-old mare for owner La Ferme Tag Inc. of Papineauville, Que.
Earlier in Saturday night's opener at Georgian Downs, 26-year-old Puslinch, Ont. resident Carl Dawson celebrated his first training win as three-year-old trotting filly Newtown Flex ($11.20) broke her maiden in 2:00.1. The Federal Flex filly is owned by Liam Wallace and was driven by Aaron Byron, who won four of the evening's 10 races. Byron sent Newtown Flex out from third down the backstretch and took the lead on the way to the third quarter mark before she drew away from her competition by three and three-quarter lengths.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Georgian Downs.