April Rose was the beaten pacesetter the last two weeks, but held her ground this time out to win the $11,500 Preferred 2 Trot during the Sunday, August 5 program at Georgian Downs.
Travis Cullen took the reins from brother-in-law Ed Hensley and put April Rose back on the lead from post four. She led the field of six through panels of :27.3, :57 and 1:24.3 en route to a two-length victory in 1:53.2. So Not Cool chased in vain from the three-hole and finished second while Absolut Seelster finished five lengths back in third.
April Rose paid $4.70 to win as the race favourite. The six-year-old daughter of SJs Caviar is owned by Hensley and his wife Ashleigh, who handles the training duties. The mare notched her eighth win this year and 22nd lifetime while pushing her career earnings over the $300,000 mark.
The $8,500 Preferred 3 went to the David Holliday trainee Majestic Marvel ($6.50), who prevailed in a close finish in 1:55.2 off a four-month layoff with Ryan Holliday aboard. A matching Preferred 3 for pacers was won by Artofficial Flavor ($4.40) and Bob McClure in 1:52.4 for trainer/co-owner Dean Nixon.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Georgian Downs.