Live racing returned to Fraser Downs on Friday night and eight-year-old Lil Dude Starrbuck, who began his career on the West coast before heading to Ontario, returned home to win the $12,000 Open Pace
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With trainer Scott Knight at the lines for the Lil Dude Ranch of Surrey, B.C., Lil Dude Starrbuck got away third from Post 2 behind Reserve Forces (James Burke) and stablemate Lilsharkshooter (Jim Marino), who blasted off the gate from Post 4 and put up a :27-second opening quarter. From there, Lil Dude Starrbuck took over leading the field past the half in :55.4. Fraser Downs newcomer Almost No More Bs (David McKellar) moved first-up past the three-quarters mark of 1:23.1, but it was Lil Dude Starrbuck all the way to win the top pace in 1:52.1 by a length.
Reserve Forces was the runner-up while Warrawee Iceman (Darren Howald) grabbed third in a photo finish over Lilsharkshooter.
The son of Threefold-Almahurst Irish scored his second win of the year in 17 starts and 29th win of his career pushing his earnings to $484,884.
In other action, 21-year-old Doug Chappell made his first pari-mutuel start a winning one in Race 6 aboard Hammers Bad Boy (1:57.4).
To view Friday’s harness racing results, click here.