Shooting from first over, Toot Toot N claimed command and held off a late bid from favourite Imsporty to take the $11,500 Preferred 2 Pace at Flamboro Downs on Sunday, Nov. 25.
Away fourth past the quarter, Toot Toot N stalked a :27.3 opening quarter set by Boomboom Ballykeel on the front before driver Ed Hensley tipped first over heading to a :57 half. The Ashleigh Hensley-trained seven-year-old Gotta Go Cullen gelding narrowed on the leader in the backstretch, sitting within a neck of the lead past a 1:25.2 third quarter before advancing to the lead into the stretch.
Pocket-rider Imsporty lunged towards the lead late but finished a half-length shy in second while Senior Market, off a rail trip, closed for third.
Owned by Ed and Ashleigh Hensley, Toot Toot N won his 12th race in 39 starts and his 18th in 80 starts, earning $115,395. He paid $5.70 to win.
Odds-on favourite Champagne Phil wired his competition to take the $8,500 Preferred 3 Pace co-feature in a 1:54.2 mile. The Craig Gilmour-trained eight-year-old Shanghai Phil gelding pushed for position from the rail with second-tier starter Par Intended tracking into the pocket. Through fractions of :27.3, :57 and 1:25.2, Champagne Phil paced uncontested on the lead before strolling into the stretch and to a length-and-a-half victory over Par Intended. Rose Run Quest, stalking the top two throughout, held third.
Owned by ICR Racing, Champagne Phil won his sixth race from 27 starts this season and his 40th from 206 overall, earning $571,063. Scott Coulter drove the $3.70 winner.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.