Friday’s nine-race card at Northlands Park turned out to be another profitable evening for Travis Cullen thanks to a training hat trick which included an impressive come-from-behind score in the feature race with Sing Like An Angel.
Cullen, who took home the inaugural Future Star Award at last year’s O’Brien Awards, got the ball rolling when he guided Burnt On Top to a 1:57.1 tally in Race 4. The five-year-old son of Blue Burner drew clear to win by 11-1/2 lengths in the $4,200 affair. He also clicked with stablemate Summons just three races later in a $4,300 claiming tilt. The four-year-old son of Ponder was a front-stepping winner in a sharp clocking of 1:55.
Sing Like An Angel gave Cullen his third winner of the night, but she was handled by Phil Giesbrecht. He picked up the ‘live’ catch-drive behind the four-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight, and he made the most of the opportunity.
The Cullen trainee enjoyed a pocket trip for most of the mile before popping out late and drawing clear to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:56.2. Crackers Hot Shot was second with American Passion taking home third prize.
Keith and Margaret Hannah of Waskada share ownership on the mare with Jodie Cullen and Ronald Cullen of Glenboro, Manitoba.
The three-win performance helped Cullen pad his totals in what has been a record-setting season for the young horseman. His barn has now produced 160 winners – a personal best – and a career-best purse haul in excess of $663,000.
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Northlands Park.