Flak Jacket returned to the Open ranks at Alberta Downs on Saturday afternoon and rallied home off cover to win the $8,500 top pace and surpass the $200,000 career earnings mark.
Trainer Jamie Gray drove Flak Jacket to a wide-open 1:53 triumph over the late-closers Timberline Court (Gerry Hudon) and Wannabe Cowboy (Ryan Grundy). The victory completed a natural hat trick for Gray and was one of four wins on the card for the horseman.
Neal Diamonique (Brandon Campbell) won a four-horse sprint off the gate from post two in the Saturday feature to establish the lead during a :26.3 opening quarter while insider Hilldrop Shady (Brent Grundy) tucked into the pocket in the early going ahead of post nine starter Flak Jacket. As the field raced down the backstretch past the half in :57.1, Hilldrop Shady made his move and applied heavy pressure to the leader during the third quarter. The top two continued to battle past the 1:25 three-quarters mark while Gray had Flak Jacket second over and ready to pounce. Rallying three-wide, Flak Jacket downed his rivals and swept to a four and a half length victory.
The five-year-old son of Brandons Cowboy is owned by Gray, Fred Gilbert and Richard Osterbeck of Brandon, MB, and Neil Malloch of Wetaskiwin, Alta. The victory was Flak Jacket's 14th lifetime and fourth in 14 seasonal starts.
Flak Jacket paid $7.60 to win.
Gray also won with Clintons Keepsake ($13), Blue Star Classic ($4.70), and My Promise To You ($6.10).
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Alberta Downs.