Dontpokethedragon takes Open thriller

Dontpokethedragon prevailed in a three-horse photo in the Century Downs harness racing Open Pace on Tuesday.

The gelding, driven by Michael Hennessy, slotted into third position as the field of six assembled single-file in starting order while heading to the first turn. They proceeded in that alignment through the first quarter mile in :27.2 and :55.4 before Dontpokethedragon made the first move going down the backstretch.

Dontpokethedragon gained rapidly and struck the front nearing three-quarters in 1:23.3. Favourite Icy Blue Scooter (Nathan Sobey) then took his shot on the outside, and Canadian Pharoh (David Kelly) joined the fray as they entered the stretch. The trio battled to the line, but Dontpokethedragon survived to the finish and won by a nose.

DONTPOKETHEDRAGON REPLAY

Icy Blue Scooter was just short in second. Canadian Pharoh was a neck behind in third. The winner paid $9.20.

Dontpokethedragon is now 10-for-35 lifetime, and the four-year-old Custard The Dragon gelding has earned $114,453. Michael Campbell trains for Paul Sanders of Surrey, J J J Stables of Prince George, and Jim Marino, another Surrey resident.

Jamie Gray led all drivers on the card with three trips to the winner’s circle.

Century Downs will be back on Sunday, Jul. 4 at 2:15 p.m. MDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink