The youngest horse in the field, Hotlikewasabi gave his competition in the weekly Winners Over feature at Northside Downs all the heat they could handle on a spicy Saturday afternoon (August 14) in Cape Breton.
Leaving from the rail with co-owner Richie Baryluk at the controls, Hotlikewasabi made the front ahead of his six rivals with Gentry Seelster (Adam Lynk) pressing on. Baryluk wasn't looking to take the pocket ride and instead issued Gentry Seelster the "Regent St. Parking Ticket" and forced that foe to drive on. Those two pacers traded blows through fractions of :28.3, :57 and 1:27.2 with neither combatant looking to give way. Turning for home, Hotlikewasabi and Gentry Seelster maintained that battle with Hotlikewasabi holding on for the narrow and valiant victory in a lifetime best 1:58.
Equally gallant was runner-up Gentry Seelster in defeat, second by just a length after being parked the mile, with Southwind Ricardo (Harold Leblanc) third after a second over trip.
Baryluk co-owns Hotlikeawasabi (Malicious - Yummy Sushi) along with trainer Robert Blanchard of Howie Center, N.S. The sophomore pacer picked up his second win of the season and eighth lifetime, lifting his earnings to $12,361.
To view the results from Saturday's card of harness racing at Northside Downs, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.