Maestro Blue Chip had not started since the Graduate Final in July but showed no signs of rust in his 'local debut' on Wednesday night at Harrington Raceway, reeling off a victory in track record time.
The Credit Winner stallion and driver Victor Kirby left from post position eight in the featured $17,500 Open Trot and set all the fractions in his 1:55.2 win over a stout-closing Strong Hope and Spunky Jack. The time of the mile established a new four-year-old trotting horse track record at Harrington.
Trained by Jo Ann Looney-King for Richard Poillucci, Maestro Blue Chip ($6.80) continued his banner season with more than $210,000 earned this year in achieving his 12th win of the year.
Ontario Sires Stakes graduate Hemi Seelster ($5, Montrell Teague) captured the $10,000 sub-feature with a 1:55.1 triumph for trainer Josh Green.
Montrell Teague had four winners on the program. Art Stafford Jr., Allan Davis, Jim Morand and Victor Kirby each had two wins on the program.
(with files from Harrington)