The nine-year-old JK Royal Flush gelding Waitin Ona River fired for the front and managed to secure a pocket ride, which he then capitalized from to pull a 7-1 upset in the $9,500 featured pace at Fraser Downs on Sunday (Dec. 26).
Leaving from post 4, Waitin Ona River raced parked to a :27.4 first quarter before yielding control to Chazmichaelmichael passing the stands first time. Chazmichaelmichael then slowed the tempo to a :59.2 half before accelerating into the backstretch, where trainer-driver Kelly Hoerdt made his move with 2-5 favourite Armycaptin Hanover. The favourite steadily gained ground on the pacesetter through three-quarters in 1:27.4 and continued to grind around the final turn. Waitin Ona River vaulted from the pocket off the corner to grab the lead and coast home 1-3/4-lengths better than Armycaptin Hanover giving pursuit from second. Outlaw C My Shadow, the longest shot on the board, closed for third.
Owned and trained by Kevin Anderson, Waitin Ona River won his fourth race from 27 starts this season and his 19th from 188 overall, earning $166,895. John Chappell drove the $17.40 winner.
While Hoerdt just missed winning the feature, he nonetheless visited the winner’s circle on three occasions through the nine-race card, each with a pupil from his barn. He completed his training hat trick Sunday with Tito Santanna ($2.70), Crush Me ($3.70) and Im Too Sexy ($5.10).
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Fraser Downs.