Arrakis breaking barriers at nine

Nine-year-old Federal Flex gelding Arrakis set his fastest career time and surpassed $400,000 in earnings as he won the Preferred 2 Trot at Georgian Downs on Sunday.

With Travis Henry at the lines, rail-sitter Arrakis ceded position The Fixer (Travis Cullen) early and accepted the pocket position. The former occupied the two-hole through :28, :56, and 1:23.4 panels set by The Fixer.

Arrakis, who dropped behind the leader in the third quarter, bridged the gap and swung to the outside on the final turn. The Fixer endured the challenger for much of the stretch drive, but Arrakis was loaded with trot and propelled by his rival in the dying moments to book his trip to the winner’s circle in 1:53.2.

The Fixer held strong, losing by a neck. Franks Angel (Jason Ryan) was a clear third.

ARRAKIS REPLAY

Arrakis broke the 1:54 barrier for the first time in his 189 starts with the 1:53.2 time. He has won 25 times and has amassed total earnings of $404,464. The gelding started his career on the Ontario circuit but spent five seasons in the northeastern United States before returning at the beginning of 2021. Francis Guillemette claimed the horse on Jul. 5; he trains and owns the gelding, who is eight-for-16 this year.

Tuesday, Aug. 31 will be Georgian Downs’ closing day for the season. The 11-race card will begin at 7:15 p.m. EDT and features a Preferred 2 Pace.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink