After finishing no worst than second throughout the preliminary legs, Seawind Gambler put forth a huge effort on Saturday night to take the $28,600 Champions Series Final at Sudbury Downs.
The five-year-old Astreos gelding, driven by Allan Hohner got away fifth from Post 5 as Western Wiggles (Paul MacLean) set the pace with an opening panel of :28. Rush Rules (Michael MacNeill) applied first-over pressure at the :56.1 half as Hohner tipped out his charge from fourth. At the three-quarters mark in 1:25.4, Hohner made a three-wide move and with a :29.1 final quarter effort, the 6-1 shot dug in for the win in 1:55.1.
Thomson Seelster (Gerry Belanger) finished four lengths back in second and Control Freak (David Dowling) came on for third.
Seawind Gambler notched his eighth lifetime score and increased his earnings to $140,804 for co-owners David Haney of Waterloo and Lawrence Smith of Elmira, Ont.
In other action, Armbro Edward scored a two length victory in the $9,000 Not Listed Preferred Trot.
With trainer Justin Turcotte at the reins, the four-year-old gelding advanced to the lead after the :28.4 first quarter posted by Jayport Express (Jeff Nowoselsky). The son of Balanced Image battled Finaud (Michael MacNeill) through the middle panels of :58.4 and 1:29 before kicking away by two lengths for the win in 1:59.4.
Jazzy Justin (Patrick Barr) was second and the favourite, Donald Rankin (Paul MacLean), came on for third after making a three-wide move coming into the final quarter.
The win was Armbro Edward's seventh of the season, boosting his bankroll to $88,400 for owner Norbert Haesen of Berlin, Germany.
To view Saturday's results, click here.