Oaklea Wyatt and Jake Loewen celebrated upset victories in their respective $7,500 Preferred 3 assignments Monday evening at Grand River Raceway, and both winners used come-from-behind tactics to get it done.
Oaklea Wyatt, who was sent off at 6-1, survived a first-over trip en route to winning the Preferred 3 for trotters in 2:00.3. Trainer/driver/owner Daniel Potvin of Rockwood, Ont. got away fourth before marching first-over with the gelding. He only needed a :31.4 closing quarter to win by a head over Tortola Sunrise. Dominum Deo was a lapped on third in the contest.
The six-year-old son of Amigo Hall-Oaklea Lark now boasts a 2-3-2 record from 11 trips postward this season. The 15-time winner pushed his lifetime earnings over $100,000 with the win.
Jake Loewen posted a mini upset in the $7,500 Preferred 3 for horse and gelding pacers. Sent off as the 7-2 third choice in the wagering, the six-year-old son of Rambaran-Special Terms got away fourth before going first-over for driver Bruce Richardson. Just a length away from the leader at the three-quarter pole, the gelding then kicked home in :29.1 to win by 2-3/4 lengths over Saulsbrook Peach in 1:56. Beach Terror was third.
Trainer Jim Ellis of London, Ont. shares ownership on the gelding with Sven Hansen of St. Thomas, Ont. The partners watched the homebred win for the fifth time this season and for the 15th time in his career. The lion’s share of the loot helped his cash stash climb to $126,678.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Grand River Raceway.