Horses leaving the gate on opening day at The Track on 2
The Shining overcame a break at the start to win the first race of the meet, a $3,900 conditioned pace. Trainer-driver John Vukelich launched his sophomore Custard The Dragon gelding after the lead starting at the half and ranged into contention for the lead off the final turn. He edged a half length in front of pacesetter Im An Open Road to win in 1:58.2.
Outlawstormywether took the feature pace on opening day, a $4,800 conditioned pace, in 1:55.4. Driver Dave Kelly got away last with the 6-year-old Blue Burner mare from the pylon post while Flying Officer took the lead past a :28.2 first quarter. Staying put in the back by a :57 half, Kelly kicked Outlawstormywether off the pegs and roared to the lead off the final turn, winning by 1 3/4 lengths over pocket-popper Shales Storm. Gray Zee finished third. Owner Joe Ratchford trains the $13.40 winner.
You know the feeling when you get into a scorching car with the windows closed on one of Edmonton’s rare sweltering afternoons? That’s Alberta harness trainer Chris Lancaster. Hot. Red-hot. Blistering hot.
On one big, long roll since the second week of the current harness meet at Century Mile, Lancaster has won with 10 of his last 12 starters.
But wait, there’s more.
The two horses the harness trainer sent out that didn’t win lost to stablemates: Probert was upset by barn mate Lady Neigh Neigh in last Sunday’s (Dec. 6) feature, and at the end of last month, Custards Crown finished second to Probert in the $88,320 Don Byrne Memorial.