Trained and driven to victory by Connie Kolthammer, Smart Shark paced his way to a career-best 1:51.3 score Saturday in the featured $5,000 Open, which equaled a new track record at Alberta Downs
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The five-year-old ridgling sired by Cams Card Shark left from Post 2 and battled with Mr Brightside (John Baxter) for the lead past the opening quarter in :27.4. From there, the favoured Timberline Court (Gerry Hudon) made his move from fourth and took command of the field before the half in :55.3 and led past three-quarters in 1:22.2. Meanwhile, Smart Shark advanced on the outside and using a :28.3 final frame he prevailed by a length and three-quarters over Timberline Court. Neal Diamonique (Bill Tainsh, Jr.) closed well to finish third.
Owned by the Outlaw Stable of Falun, Alta., Smart Shark notched his third win of the year and eighth of his career upping his total bankroll to $74,281.
In other action, trainer Douglas Shaw enjoyed a training triple on the 10-race program lifting his yearly win total to 14. The resident of Airdrie, Alta. has recorded 859 wins in his career earning over $2.3 million in purses.
Promised Rocket won his debut in the opener by six lengths in 1:59.1 with Jamie Gray in the bike for Shaw. In Race 4 Badlands Buddy won by over five lengths in 1:54.3 and in Race 10 Skillet Man won by three and half lengths in 1:55.1 - both driven to victory by Jeff Stone.
To view the charted lines from Saturday, click here.
Way to go Connie! You made
Way to go Connie! You made us all so proud on Saturday, including your Mom and Dad who got to witness you and Smart Shark whomp em! Gave me goosebumps watching that race. Eagerly awaiting another Shark Attack!
Wendy Campbell