Better Than Boots ($24.70) circled three-wide into a collapsing pace on the final turn and narrowly reached in Thursday evening's (Sept. 19) featured event at Flamboro Downs, an $8,000 conditioned pace.
Robert Shepherd and Better Than Boots enjoyed a clear stalking spot from fourth while 1-2 favourite Quickstar Bluechip (Scott Young) surged to command past a :28.4 first quarter and maintained it through a :57.1 half. Up the backstretch, Excaliber Seelster (Paul MacKenzie) ground down Quickstar Bluechip, but Better Than Boots commenced his three-wide push forward on approach to the far turn.
After Excaliber Seelster put two lengths on a tiring Quickstar Bluechip through the turn, Better Than Boots found his best stride off the corner, lifting to narrowly collar the all-out Excaliber Seelster and also hold off a wide rally from American Risk (Scott Coulter), who finished third while beaten only a head.
Trainer David Holliday co-owns four-time winner Better Than Boots with Ben Holliday. The victory was the Betterthancheddar gelding's second in three starts so far in the current meeting.
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Flamboro Downs.