Pacer Shoe Shine and trotter All Out Henry shared the spotlight winning a pair of $8,500 Preferred 3s co-featured on Monday night (December 17) at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Alfie Carroll worked out the winning pocket trip for Shoe Shine ($5), a six-year-old son of Shadow Play trained by Richard Moreau and owned by the New York-based Sergis Racing Stable LLC.
Littlebitaswagger blasted out of post six to take command into the first turn ahead of inside starter Shoe Shine, with Dreydl Hanover parked out through a :28 first quarter. Colorado Buck moved second-over and then went three-wide approaching the :57.4 half-mile mark as Dreydl Hanover threw in the towel. Meanwhile, Littlebitaswagger gained some separation on top down the backstretch, but 3-2 favourite Shoe Shine reeled him in through three-quarters in 1:26.3 then popped the pocket at the top of the stretch. Shoe Shine downed the pacesetter by 1-1/2 lengths at the end of the 1:57 mile to notch his second straight victory. D M Johnwick took third prize after following in fourth throughout the mile.
Claimed three times this year, Shoe Shine is an 11-time winner from 40 seasonal starts and has banked more than $60,000.
Owned and trained by Pam Forgie of Goderich, Ont., All Out Henry ($6.70) journeyed first-over to win the trot division in rein to Scott Young.
Summit City Nate cleared even-money favourite Scene A Magician early on and led the way through panels of :28.3. :59.3 and 1:29. Meanwhile, second choice All Out Henry got away mid-field from the inside post and went first-up heading to the half. He inched closer to the leader heading into the final turn where he drew alongside and took over command. Scene A Magician dove inside down the lane while second-over On The Ridge rallied outside to make it a close finish, but All Out Henry held on by a neck to win in 2:00.2. Scene A Magician was the runner-up with On The Ridge finishing one length back in third.
The six-year-old gelded son of Cornaro Dasolo earned his sixth win of the campaign from 35 starts and bumped his annual income over the $50,000 mark.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Monday Results - Western Fair.