Gelding breaks 54-start losing streak

Nicotime (Betterthancheddar) visited the harness racing winner’s circle for the first time since September 2022 as he won in a lifetime-best performance at Century Downs on Friday (Jun. 7).

The gelding let Blue Who (Phil Giesbrecht) by going into the first turn and rode the pocket to the quarter in :28.1. Kelly Hoerdt sent Nicotime around him shortly after the first station, and the new leader brought the field to the half in :57.3.

Tuff As Buff (Michael Hennessy) ranged up and put Nicotime under pressure on the backstretch, battling head-to-head through three-quarters in 1:27.4. The battle raged around the far turn and down the stretch with Nicotime holding a slight edge all the way home. Tuff As Buff began to advance again in deep-stretch, and Sammy Santana (Jamie Gray) flew from the backfield, but Nicotime held on by a head in three-across finish to win in 1:57.3.

Tuff As Buff was narrowly clear of Sammy Santana for second.

NICOTIME REPLAY

The victory was Nicotime’s fifth lifetime in 89 starts and his first in 54 starts. Shelly Arsenault trains the six-year-old, who earned a new mark with Friday’s victory, and co-owns him with Jason and Tracey Peters of Strathmore. In 13 starts this year, Nicotime has a win, two seconds, and four show finishes.

Hoerdt racked up total driving five wins on the day, training four of them. His other pictures came with Monsoon (Captaintreacherous, 1:56), Licklips Swinghips (Custard The Dragon, 1:56.1), In High Cotton (Somebeachsomewhere, 1:55.2), and Diva Amour (Custard The Dragon, 1:56.3).

Century Downs continues racing on Saturday, Jun. 8. The 10-race card features two eliminations for the Moore’s Mile Breeders’ Stake for three-year-old colts and geldings.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink