Big bounce back from Sportsline

Fresh off a one-week break after a nightmare trip, Sportsline took command early in the Grand River Raceway Preferred 2&3 Handicap Pace on Monday and controlled the race from start to finish.

The Bud Sinclair trainee charged four-wide into the first turn under direction from Bruce Richardson and pressed on to the front from post three. He completed the first station in :27.4 but got little reprieve as Outlawgrabbingears (Paul Davies) launched first-up as the field of eight turned for the half.

Sportsline maintained a one-length cushion through the half in :57 and to three-quarters in 1:25.3. Outlawgrabbingears withdrew on the home turn, and Sportsline stayed strong to the finish in 1:54. Carsons Shadow (Travis Henry) passed rivals in the final quarter and reached up for place over pocket-sitter Shades Of Bay (Austin Sorrie), who finished third.

SPORTSLINE REPLAY

The win was Sportsline’s 23rd lifetime in 56 tries and his second for owners Lisa Desroches of Baden and Craig Parrott of Windsor. The five-year-old Sportswriter stallion has made $210,889 lifetime. He began his season with a sixth-place finish on Jun. 14 and was parked the mile on Jun. 21, finishing ninth. Sinclair appeared in the winner’s circle for the first time in 2021 after 42 starts.

Brett Macdonald kept his success rolling with three victories on the Monday Grand River card after winning $58,300 Sunday’s Kin Pace at Clinton Raceway.

The Elora, Ont. oval will see live racing again on Wednesday, Jul. 3. A Preferred 2&3 Handicap for trotters features on that program, which will start at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink