Press Time performed under pressure once again, handling the post-time deadline with ease on Saturday, Sept. 14 in the top class at Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock, N.B.
Assigned the outermost starting spot in the field of six assembled to contest the $2,600 Winners Over Pace, 1-2 choice Press Time had a mission to make the front end for driver Todd Trites. But P J Spudland (Colin DeCourcey) and One Eight Hundred (Mitchell Downey) also left stoutly to his inside, forcing the favourite three-wide into the opening turn. Trites didn't land Press Time on the lead until the first quarter was reached in :26.3, fastest first fraction of the meet thus far.
After making it to the top, Trites was able to ratchet back that tempo and steal middle splits of :57 and 1:26. Those moderate fractions provided everything Press Time needed to deliver, and the pacer pulled away from his rivals through a :29.3 final quarter to trip the timer in 1:55.3.
Watchmaker (Mike Downey) gave chase to a runner-up finish, three lengths in arrears of the winner, with Mantario (Wayne Watson) rallying for the show spot.
Trained by Averil Hunter, Press Time (Sportswriter - Flirtwithedealer) picked up his 19th career victory and lifted his earnings to $106,704. That's the gelding's fourth win in his last five starts, and third in three starts since making his way to New Brunswick for local owner Zachary Cougle. He paid $3.10 to win.
For the results from Saturday's card of harness racing in New Brunswick, click the following link: Saturday Results - Connell Park.
(Standardbred Canada)