Astute was all business in Monday’s $7,000 Preferred 3 at Grand River Raceway, and it translated into a healthy pari-mutuel return for those that backed the determined pacer at the windows.
Sent off at odds of 4-1, Astute powered to the early lead from the pole position. Robert Shepherd hustled him to the lead, only to give way briefly to Account Rollover. Astute played the ‘give and go’ to that foe on the way to the quarter pole in :26.4 before whacking out fractions of :55.4 and 1:24.3. He withstood heavy pressure throughout and posted a neck decision over My Friend Diaz in 1:54.4 Third prize went to race favourite Secretsoftheknight, who was a lapped-on third.
Isabelle Darveau of Cambridge, Ontario owns and trains the seven-year-old son of Astreos-Armbro Tarte. The gelding now boasts a 4-for-22 record this season in addition to earnings in excess of $24,000. The 20-time winner has banked more than $158,000 to date.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Grand River Raceway.