Champagne Phil lasted on the lead to take top honours in the featured $11,500 Preferred Handicap Pace on Sunday night (Sept. 23) at Flamboro Downs.
Driven by Scott Coulter and trained by Craig Gilmour, Champagne Phil secured the lead with his inside post advantage and retook command early on after Imsporty crossed in front. The eight-year-old Shanghai Phil gelding set fractions of :27.3, :57.2 and 1:25 before holding off the pocket-pulling Imsporty by half a length for the 1:52.4 victory. Favourite Croft Bay N finished four lengths behind in third.
Owned by ICR Racing, Champagne Phil has won 39 times in his career spanning 199 races. He's banked $57,390 of his $558,138 career bankroll this year with wins in a quarter of his 20 starts.
Sent postward as the 9-5 second choice, Champagne Phil paid $5.80 to win.
The $8,500 Preferred 3 went to 2-1 second choice Redonkulous, who pocketed Beavercreek Artist early on and prevailed by one length over that foe in a matching time of 1:52.4 for driver Travis Cullen and trainer/owner Jodie Cullen.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.