Top Gear front-stepped his way to a top class victory at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday night, winning a $28,000 event for conditioned pacers by a neck over a pair trained by meet leader Corey Johnson.
Driver Mike Saftic pulled Top Gear from the pocket after the :27-second opening quarter and he took over command from early leaver McKinney. He then led the way past middle splits of :56.2 and 1:24.3 before holding off a deep stretch challenge from McKinney for the 1:52.2 triumph. The runner-up's stablemate and odds-on favourite Wazzup Wazzup advanced first over to finish one length behind in third.
Top Gear paid $5.80 to win as the slight second choice. He earned his second win of the year in seven starts. His first came in the same class (non-winners of $28,000 last five starts) on Feb. 8 prior to his last two races at the Preferred level.
The seven-year-old Real Desire gelding is owned by Grand River Racing Stable of Brantford, Ont.
Top Gear's victory kicked off a productive night at the track for trainer Therese Vrablic, whose six starters finished no worse than third. Anderlecht ($28.40) was another winner, in 1:52 flat, for Saftic and the Vrablic stable.
Peter Hamilton enjoyed a perfect evening with his two trainees earning victories. Trotter Overandovervictory ($8.60) won the opener while JJ Shark ($14.40) later paced the fastest mile on the card in 1:51.4 in the seventh race.
Drivers Jody Jamieson and James MacDonald also doubled up during the 11-race card.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.