The Sunday, Dec. 10 card at Flamboro Downs had Dontpokethedragon breathing fire to take the $11,000 Preferred Pace, which highlighted the 10-race card.
Driver J Harris had to steady Dontpokethedragon into fourth after throwing in a few steps while the widest in a four-way scramble for the lead on the opening turn which saw Hunter Hill and Ed Hensley emerge first to the opening-quarter in a wicked :26.3. Dontpokethedragon wouldn't sit for long, pulling first-up from fourth while Hunter Hill reached the halfway point in :55.1. Dontpokethedragon continued to surge in the third-quarter, powering up to clear to the lead before reaching that station in 1:23.4, now with P L Oliver and Colin Kelly left first-over to apply the pressure.
Entering the final turn, Kelly ducked P L Oliver into the pocket while Dontpokethedragon turned for home with a length-and-a-half advantage. P L Oliver pulled once more for one final try at the leader, but Dontpokethedragon remained strong on the lead, thundering home in :28.4 to win by just over a length on the line in 1:52.3. Arties Ideal and Samuel Fillion rallied for the third position.
The start was the first for Dontpokethedragon in the Shayne Barrington barn after being claimed for $40,000 on Dec. 4 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Owned by Imagine Stable, the six-year-old gelded son of Custard The Dragon-Rummys Command secured his eighth victory in 35 seasonal outings. The victory pushed Dontpokethedragon's seasonal earnings to $85,940 and career bankroll to $332,640.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.
(Photo of Dontpokethedragon winning previous race)