Trainer Michael Campbell and driver Brandon Campbell dominated the Alberta Sires Stakes finals on Saturday (Aug. 15) at Century Downs, upsetting in the $28,400 Alberta Diamond and romping in the $30,200 Alberta Marksman.
Sent the 1-9 favourite, Major Custard asserted his spot at the top in the Alberta Marksman, striding to an open-length victory in 1:55.1.
By the quarter in :26.4, Major Custard lost the lead passing the stands to Trip Hammer, who recovered from an early gallop and charged towards the front. Campbell quickly tipped Major Custard out of the pocket moving to a :55 half and retook the lead into the backstretch. From there the Custard The Dragon gelding blazed clear, opening seven lengths as Chazmichaelmichael took over second moving to three-quarters in 1:23.4. Major Custard coasted to the finish eight-and-a-quarter lengths in front of Criminal Record closing for second while Chazmichaelmichael faded to third.
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Owned by J J J Stables and Jim Marino, Major Custard remains undefeated from five starts this season while collecting his 10th victory from 12 starts, earning $130,550. He paid $2.20 to win.
Rockinwithcustard brought the Campbells into the winner’s circle in the race prior, popping pocket to an 11-1 upset in the Alberta Diamond.
Pushing from the pylon post, Rockinwithcustard led the field by the first quarter in :28.3. Miss Itunes, the 1-5 favourite, then edged off the pegs from third and brushed to the top before a :57.2 half. Rockinwithcustard rode the pocket up the backside as Miss Itunes strode to three-quarters in 1:25.4 chased by Snow Shark attempting to gain ground first over.
Into the stretch Miss Itunes lead expanded to three lengths but her strides began to shorten. Rockinwithcustard closed on the leader from second nearing the finish, spurting by to a one-and-three-quarter length score in 1:55.1. Bearcat Abigail rallied from second over for third.
Returning $25.50 to win, Rockinwithcustard won her third race from 12 starts, earning $27,794. The Custard The Dragon filly competes for owners Wild Dunes Stables, J J J Stables and Jim Marino.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Century Downs.