Its A Big Secret rolled to the top and didn’t stop en route to a handy victory in Monday’s $11,500 Preferred 2 for horse and gelding pacers at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Colin Kelly pressed for the lead right from the word ‘go’ with Its A Big Secret, who quickly crossed down to the rail before carving out panels of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:27.2. A :30-second kicker was enough to earn the gelding the two-length decision over Evasive Card Shark in 1:57.2. Jake Loewen closed from far back to grab the show dough.
Trainer Dean Nixon co-owns the seven-year-old son of Matts Scooter-Its Dragon with Justin Nixon of Amherstburg, Ont. Together they’ve watched the gelding kick off his 2018 campaign with a 2-0-1 record from three attempts. The 21-time winner now boasts earnings in excess of $100,000.
National Debt capped off the 10-race card with a 2:05.1 triumph in the $8,900 Preferred 3 for horse and gelding pacers.
The added distance event saw Mister X fire to the top and carve out fractions of :28, :58.2 and 1:28.2. National Debt got away fifth before tipping to the outside and catching cover on the way to the half. He was still on the rim at the three-quarter pole while sitting sixth, but a strong push in the late stages earned him the win by a neck over Acefortyfourtalon. Saulsbrook Peach was third. The 1-1/16 mile affair was clocked in 2:05.1.
Sent off as the 4-5 choice, the Colin Johnson trainee improved his lifetime record to 28 wins from 102 attempts. The classy campaigner, who is owned by Francois Morin of Beauceville, QC, has stashed away career earnings of more than $370,000.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.