A trio of stakes events highlighted Saturday afternoon’s nine-race program at Alberta Downs
, with three-year-old colt and gelding pacers sparring in the $45,000 Red Serge Classic Sales Stake and two-year-old colt and gelding pacers squaring off in a pair of $22,500 divisions of the Forrest Wilson Memorial Sales Stake.
Blair Corbeil and Kelly Hoerdt’s Dees Promise used a come-from-behind approach to take home the lion’s share of the $45,000 Red Serge Classic Sales Stake. The son of As Promised-L Dees Briona sat back and watched race favourite Clintons Escape supply wild fractions of :25.4, :56 and 1:24.4. Trainer/driver Kelly Hoerdt brushed Dees Promise to the lead shortly past the three-quarter pole and simply drew away to win by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:53.1 over War Cry Ranger. Leadfood Lefty, who was last at the half, came on late to finish third.
It was a lifetime best performance for the five-time winner, who now boasts a 3-3-1 record in 11 starts this season. The victory bumped this year’s bankroll just shy of the $50,000 mark, and his lifetime total now stands at $74,314.
Fired Up captured the first division of the Forest Wilson Memorial Sales Stake, and he did so in front-stepping fashion for trainer/driver Don Monkman, Jr. The son of Camystic-Raging Red Head threw down panels of :27.3, :59.1 and 1:28.2 before firing home in :29.2 to win by 5-1/4 lengths in 1:57.4. Wannabe Cowboy was second best, with So Blue rounding out the top three finishers.
Don M JR Stables of Edmonton and Ted Russell of Nisku, AB share ownership on the colt, who is now 2-for-4 to start his career. The $14,000 yearling purchase has already stashed away earnings of $13,550.
Takem Todakleaners did exactly that to the competition in the second division for trainer/driver Brent Grundy. The son of As Promised-Rain Drop Hanover was fifth and parked at the quarter pole before making a powerful rush to the lead. He laid down middle splits of 1:00.2 and 1:29.3 before blasting home in :27.4 en route to the 1:57.2 victory. It was 2-1/4 lengths back to runner-up Wrangler Bignrich, with Tap Room grabbing the show dough.
Diane Bertrand, Thomas Menard and Sherri Sorensen of Alberta own the colt, who is now a three-time winner in four career starts. The 1:57.2 clocking was a career-best for the lightly raced youngster who has banked $24,600 to date.
To view Saturday’s results, click here.