Viewers were treated to a blockbuster finish in Tuesday’s $8,100 Open Pace at Century Downs as three horses came storming to the finish line together.
The six-horse affair saw Tiempo Hanover charge to the early lead, and he managed to carve out first-half fractions of :27.2 and :55.4 before coming under attack from the eventual winner.
Dontpokethedragon and driver Michael Hennessy popped off the rail from third and put the first-over press on Tiempo Hanover as the field made its way to the three-quarter pole. Dontpokethedragon led the charge to the three-quarter in 1:23.3 while racing parked, but he eventually cleared and continued to work hard right to the line. Race favourite Icy Blue Scooter followed the favourite, and went stride for stride with that foe right to the finish.
Dontpokethedragon’s :29.1 closing panel was just enough to earn him the nose decision over Icy Blue Scooter in 1:52.4. Canadian Pharoh rallied from third-over to come up just a neck short in what turned out to be a fantastic finish.
Dontpokethedragon, a four-year-old son of Custard The Dragon-Rummys Command from the Michael Campbell barn, now owns a 6-2-1 record from 10 trips to the track this season. Paul Sanders, J J J Stables and Jim Marino own the career winner of $117,503.
To view results for Tuesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Tuesday Results – Century Downs.