Sent the odds-on favourite, Hes Got Swagger drew clear of his competition to take the $8,500 Preferred 3 Pace at Flamboro Downs on Sunday (Jan. 19).
Driver Travis Cullen protected position from the pylon post and placed Hes Got Swagger on the point heading to a :28 first quarter with Uf Bettors Hanover in the pocket. Always N The Money tipped first over from fourth to pressure the pacesetter into a :57.2 half but faltered approaching three-quarters in 1:25.3. Hes Got Swagger then began to separate from the field, opening three lengths on Uf Bettors Hanover turning into the stretch and extending to four at the finish of a 1:54 mile. Smooth Mara N, tracking the top two at the pylons, held third.
A five-year-old gelding by Vintage Master, Hes Got Swagger won his 26th race from 65 starts, earning $122,182. Rachel Andrews trains and co-owns the $2.80 winner with Cullen.
Encarnacion ground first over and edged to a two-and-a-quarter length victory to take the co-featured $8,500 Preferred 3 Trot.
Enchanted Mission led the field from the pylon post past the quarter in :28.2 while Irish Thunder sat second. Encarnacion raced sixth but grabbed cover from Costantino heading to a :59.1 before circling by and drawing towards the leader nearing three-quarters in 1:28.3. Around the final turn Encarnacion put away Enchanted Mission and opened three lengths as Irish Thunder overtook second. Through the stretch the Isabelle Darveau trainee cruised to a 1:58 win chased by Irish Thunder with 1-5 favourite Neon Lights closing for third.
A four-year-old gelding by Archangel, Encarnacion won his eight race from 36 starts, earning $97,458. Robert Shepherd drove the $13.80 winner for owner 1187422 Ontario Inc.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.