Harness racing fans at Fredericton Raceway were treated to a marathon card of racing on Canada Day, and the card was dedicated to showcasing stars of the Atlantic Sires Stakes program and a former star of the Ontario Sires Stakes program.
After four consecutive victories to start the season at the CDPEC, Astronomical took his show on the road to Fredericton Raceway, where he romped to a 1:55.2 victory in the $6,000 Walter Dale Memorial Pace.
The six-year-old son of Astreos, in rein to Dr. Ian Moore, rolled the six-horse field through fractions of :28.4, :58 and 1:27 before roaring home in :28.2 en route to the 1-1/2 length win. St Pete Star (Danny Romo) was second and Dance Hanover (Todd Trites) rounded out the top three.
Moore, who conditions the career winner of $746,608, shares ownership on the 34-time winner with William Shearer of Bedford, NS and R G McGroup Ltd. of Bathurst, NB.
The richest events of the afternoon were a pair of $13,230 ATSS "A" divisions for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
P H Dragonman sprinted to a career-best clocking of 1:55.1 in the first split for Gilles Barrieau, who guided the Robert Macneil trainee to the win over Arrow Dynamic (Bernard McCallum) and Ammon Shannon (Paul Breau).
It was the fourth consecutive victory for the son of Mantorious, who is owned by Dr. James Shive of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia.
Plea Bargain needed every inch of racetrack to win the other division for driver Danny Romo in a time of 1:56.4. It was a new mark for the son of Quick Comeback, who hangs his harness bag in the stable of trainer Gilles Barrieau.
The gelding, who is owned by Michael Blanchard of New Glasgow, NS and Barry Blanchard of Kars, NB, was a neck better than race favourite Absolom (Phil Pinkney), who was second. Accelerated Force (Gilles Barrieau) rounded out the top three.
High profile sophomore pacing fillies went toe-to-toe in a trio of $8,980 "A" divisions of the ATSS.
The divisional winners were Beer Drinkin Doll (1:59.1), Southview Spring (1:58.1) and Elm Grove Ilse (1:59.1)
There was also a pair of $2,500 ATSS "B" divisions contested for three-year-old pacing fillies. Porthill Friendly (1:59.1) and Fern Hill Treasure (2:00.1) got the job done in their respective splits.
Designer Towel (2:00.1) took the checkered flag in the lone $2,500 "B" division of the ATSS for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
To view Tuesday's results, click here.