A three-pack of Preferred events – one for trotters and two for male pacers – went postward during Monday’s 10-race card at Grand River Raceway.
Absolut Seelster turned a second-over trip into a 1:57.1 triumph in the $7,500 Preferred 3 for trotters. Bob McClure carved out the golden trip for the Ben Baillargeon trainee, who launched off cover late and used a :29.3 closing panel to win by three-quarters of a length over race favourite Escuela in 1:57.1. Eagle Scout was third.
Tom and Elizabeth Rankin of St. Catherines, Ont. own the four-year-old daughter of Angus Hall-Amazing Adventure, who improved this year’s record to 8-4-5 from 26 starts. The 12-time winner pushed her lifetime earnings over $100,000 with the victory.
Bank Shot Hanover enjoyed a ground-saving journey for most of the mile in the first of two $7,500 Preferred 3 affairs for male pacers, and the trip helped him secure a 1:54.2 score for driver Alfie Carroll. The gelding got away third and held that position through the opening half before popping out in the third quarter and then using a :29.1 final frame to win by three-quarters of a length over Waltzking Hanover. Tempo-setting Bugatti settled for the show dough.
Victory Puddy trains the four-year-old son of The Panderosa-Braggin Yankee for Keith Cassell, Dr. John Tobin and Limco Inc. The win was his sixth of the season and the 11th of his career. He’s banked in excess of $32,000 this year and more than $138,000 to date.
Just one race later it was Buckeroo who prevailed in the other $7,500 Preferred 3 for male pacers. Ryan Holliday had the hammer down all the way with the gelding who sped through panels of :28.1, :57.1 and 1:26.1 before sealing the deal with a final quarter clocked in :29. He drew clear to win by 1-3/4 lengths over Next Thing Smoken in 1:55.1. Rounding out the Trifecta ticket was Lautner Seelster.
Sent off as the even-money choice, Buckeroo now boasts a 2-5-2 record from 11 assignments this season for trainer/co-owner Ron Kerr and partner Jack Ramage. The 18-time winner has banked more that $150,000 to date.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Grand River Raceway.