Odds-on favourite Smooth Lou secured the lead early and turned all challengers away to take the $11,500 Horses & Geldings Preferred 2 Pace at Flamboro Downs on Tuesday (Sept. 28).
The five-year-old Sweet Lou gelding grabbed command from post 3 to a :28.3 first quarter with St Lads Thriller settling into second and Champagne Phil into third. Snagging a breather to a :58.1 half, the slow pace prompted Casimir Richie P to pull first over from fourth on the second circuit and press for the lead into the backstretch, where driver Robert Shepherd accelerated with Smooth Lou to three-quarters in 1:26.2. Casimir Richie P tired into the final turn, leaving Smooth Lou to the lead in the stretch. The Pat Shepherd trainee cruised to the line one length better than St Lads Thriller giving chase from second, while Champagne Phil saved ground at the inside to take third.
Owned by Triple S Equine, Robert Woodburn and Ronald Woodburn, Smooth Lou won his eighth race from 27 starts this season and his 17th from 53 overall, earning $174,115. Patrick Shepherd trains the $3.30 winner.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Flamboro Downs.