After narrowly missing archrival Mateo in the Western Canada Derby, Senga Nitro ($4.00) was able to exact revenge in Saturday evening’s (October 21) $54,500 Alberta Maverick for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Northlands Park.
Trainer-driver Ryan Grundy protected rail position from the outset with the Blue Burner gelding, but yielded on the first turn to track Mateo (J. F. Gagne) and Cold Case (Kelly Hoerdt) through early splits of :27 and :56.1 before commencing a first-over bid with three-eighths to go. Senga Nitro easily gained into second spot over a gapping Cold Case, and took aim at Mateo—who tried to accelerate away from the field—on approach to the far turn. Senga Nitro reeled in the pacesetting even-money joint favourite with 300 yards to go, and drew away by 5-1/4 lengths while kept to task.
Mateo held second, while Getup Gideon (Phil Giesbrecht) improved belatedly to take third, another length back.
Breeder Kenneth Gunn owns Senga Nitro, whose 1:53.4 Maverick victory was the fastest of his 11 to date.
To view Saturday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results – Northlands Park.