Tinys Million and Donegal Gerald used different tactics, but they both found the same desired result in their respective $12,000 Slots Cup division at Grand River Raceway on Friday.
Friday night was the fifth and final leg of the Slots Cup, which has toured Ontario tracks all summer.
Tinys Million started from Post 1 for driver Anthony Haughan and yielded the early lead to Bigmizndrstnding (Jim McClure) before retaking at the :28.1 opening quarter.
The four-year-old Million Dollar Cam gelding set panels in :56.4 and 1:25.3 before holding off a closing Bigmizndrstnding by a half-length in 1:53.3. Oakley Seelster (Bruce Richardson) was third.
Tony Montini trains Tinys Million, who was making his second start in the Slots Cup, for partners Joe Tinelli and Troy Hewko. It was the pacer's third win in 18 tries this season and now an eight time winner lifetime, he boosted his bankroll to $98,492.
Donegal Gerald, who has competed in each leg, picked up his second Slots Cup victory when he made a strong third-quarter brush. Driver Randy Fritz settled the four-year-old Rambaran gelding into fourth as heavy favourite Stonebridge On Ice (Doug McNair) set the tempo in :26.3 and :56.4.
Fritz moved Donegal Gerald first-over before the half and he cleared to a length lead at the 1:26.1 three-quarters, and stayed game right to the wire to score by a length and a quarter in 1:54.4. Phil Lucky (Bruce Richardson) finished second while third went to Emmys Passion (Don McElroy).
Dave Matson conditions Donegal Gerald for owner John Foran. In 23 starts this year, the pacer is 6-4-4 with earnings of $54,934. The 13th victory of his career, it pushed his bankroll past the $100,000 mark.
The $88,600 Slots Cup Final goes at Hiawatha Horse Park on Saturday, August 30.
To view Grand River's results, click here.