Over Ice stays hot in BC Sale Stake

Four weeks after her Mary Murphy Memorial sweep, Over Ice (Custard The Dragon) returned to win her fourth straight in the BC Sale Stake for sophomore harness racing fillies on Thursday (Dec. 26) at Fraser Downs.

She led her three opponents all the way, firing off the wings and rattling off :28, :57.4, and 1:26.2 panels. Phil Giesbrecht hit the gas on the final turn, and she separated from the field before holding off Kootenay Cocoa (Tyson Jacoby) by a length to win in 1:54.1. Catchmegracefully (Glenn White) was third.

OVER ICE REPLAY

Over Ice is now 11-for-22 lifetime for owner/breeder JJJ Stables. The filly is undefeated at Fraser Downs, having swept the BC-bred Stake at the track at two and three. Jim Marino trains the three-year-old, who has earned $242,313.

Buddy Knocks (Shadow Play) defeated Robert Murphy Memorial winner Wannabeabigstar in the BC Sale Stake for colts and geldings. After an early break by the latter, Buddy Knocks went coast-to-coast for Scott Knight. He put up splits of :28, :57.3, and 1:25.4 and cruised to a two-length score in a lifetime-best 1:53.3.

Wannabeabigstar climbed past rivals into contention at three-quarters but had to settle for second. Betterthanluck (Allan Molloy) was third.

BUDDY KNOCKS REPLAY

Buddy Knocks, a BC-bred Stake champion at two, has tallied seven wins in 16 career starts with a bankroll of $120,800. The gelding sold for $42,000 to current owner Veikko Pajunen at the BC Sale. Rod Therres trains the three-year-old.

Grey Sea (Custard The Dragon, John Abbott) prevailed in the night’s Fillies and Mares Preferred. The favoured mare was never headed, going gate-to-wire in 1:53.1. Outlaw Spiced Rum (Giesbrecht) made up ground late but missed by three-quarters-of-a-length in second. Ima Beach Diva (Scott Knight) rounded out the triactor.

GREY SEA REPLAY

Friday’s victory was Grey Sea’s fastest of nine this year for trainer Gord Abbott. The five-year-old has not missed the board since August. She is 23-for-60 lifetime with $185,750 for Seaspray Stables.

Fraser Downs continues action on Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:00 p.m. PST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink