Eleven-year-old pacer Intended Royalty just held off the pocket-popping Euchred to win Inverness Raceway's Winners Over feature on Sunday afternoon (June 19).
Redmond Doucet drove the son of No Pan Intended to the 1:57.4 victory in $1,700 featured finale, which was named the Gerald Grant Memorial Pace honouring the late owner/breeder who was a participant in the rebuilding and success of Inverness Raceway.
Intended Royalty, the 7-5 second choice in the field reduced to just four starters with Hippyjohn scratched, left for the lead from post three with favourite Euchred rolling off the gate to his outside and tucking into the pocket spot in the first turn.
Intended Royalty went unchallenged until the stretch, leading through fractions of :28.4, :59.1 and 1:27.2. With Rockemsockem Scott edging out of the three-hole turning for home, Euchred popped the pocket and nearly caught Intended Royalty in deep stretch but came up a neck short. Rockemsockem Scott finished three lengths behind in third over Dam Lucky.
After missing a week of action, Intended Royalty returned to the winner's circle for the second time in three starts this year. He paid $4.90 to win.
Trainer Randy Copley co-owns the 60-time winner with Edward Copley.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Inverness Raceway.