Despite the best efforts of pacesetter Real Bigg, Fall Bliss put forth a real big effort of his own to capture the $1,600 Art & Shirley Davidson Memorial pace on Saturday (August 26) at Exhibition Park Raceway.
Dr. Mitch Downey had favoured Fall Bliss sitting off the pace, second from last in the field of six, while Real Bigg (Mark Haig) punched out panels of :29, 58.4 and 1:28.2 on the front end. Downey positioned Fall Bliss third-over mid-way through the mile before launching his charge three-wide at the three-quarter mark.
Around the final turn, Fall Bliss managed to front the field but Real Bigg wasn't about to knuckle under without a retort. A stretch battle ensued with Fall Bliss digging deep to repel Real Bigg by a scant neck in 1:58. Wave That Banner (Sam Hodgin) was another five-plus lengths of the front-runners and finished third.
Owned by trainer Mike Downey of Saint John, N.B., nine-year-old Fall Bliss now boasts 40 career victories and more than $202,000 in purses.
For the charts from Saturday's card, click the following link: Saturday Results - Exhibition Park Raceway.