Clever Character (Tellitlikeitis) took his third harness racing win in his past four starts despite an early speed duel at Grand River Raceway on Wednesday (Aug. 31).
The gelding sprinted out from post three for Travis Cullen and held pylon control as Rhythm In Motion (Colin Kelly) applied the blowtorch in a battle to the quarter. The two clashed until Rhythm In Motion backed off just before completion of the first panel in :26.
Clever Character travelled to the half in :55.4 and three-quarters in 1:24 as the backfield failed to make an impact. Rhythm In Motion made his move as they turned for home, but Clever Character was tough enough to resist the attack and make it to the line a winner in 1:53.3.
Rhythm In Motion was a length short. Chappiesboy (Tyler Borth) finished third.
CLEVER CHARACTER REPLAY
Clever Character has now earned $489,467 in 89 career outings with 20 wins. Jodie Cullen conditions the five-year-old for A1 Stable, Ronald Cullen of Dundas, and Paul Sanders of Surrey. The gelding has won three of his past four starts with a pair in the top class at Grand River.
Action continues at Grand River Raceway with a 10-dash program beginning at 6:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, Sep. 2.
For complete race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink