Emmetts Buddy tough in Manitoba Great Western Stake victory

Emmetts Buddy (In The Irons) trekked first-up through the opening half and surged in the stretch to win the 75th Manitoba Great Western Stake on Saturday at Miami Fair.

Tyler Grundy slid the sophomore colt into the pocket after spending the first half parked out, and Emmetts Buddy responded down the lane to defeat leader Sassy Libby (Blake Piwniuk) in 2:01.3. This Girl Rules (George Isman) caught Sassy Libby for place.

Emmetts Buddy has been beaten once in five career starts. He debuted this season at Miami for breeder/owner/trainer Arthur Rey and has earned $16,030.

Cereal Killer (Toucam Sam) crushed his competition in the Manitoba Standardbred Sires and Breeders Association Stake for four-year-olds later on the card. He romped by nine lengths in 1:59.3 with Don Howlett aboard. Chase My Dust (Blake Piwniuk) soared past Promise Me A Win (Kirk Rogers) in the final quarter to take second.

Cereal Killer is now eight-for-28 lifetime with $28,985 in earnings. Marc Fillion trains and bred the gelding, whom he co-owns with Howlett.

Hf Flower (Ameripan Gigolo, Trevor Williams) and Ak Nite Lady (Andreoli Hanover, Howlett) broke track records on the card. Trevor Williams steered the former to a 1:58.2 victory, which was one-and-four-fifth seconds quicker than the previous best for a sophomore pacer. Ak Nite Lady, with her 2:03 win, shaved two fifths off Just Gracie’s record for a two-year-old.

Manitoba harness racing is set to move to The Loop in Winnipeg on Saturday, Aug. 27. The shift was previously postponed but is reported to be close to ready ahead of next week’s card.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink