Grassroots final runner-up wins at Flamboro

The Vicar (Artspeak), coming off a place finish in the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Final, won for the ninth time this harness racing season on Wednesday (Oct. 9) at Flamboro Downs.

Trainer/driver Tyler Moore commanded speed from the outside post seven and had the gelding on top just after the quarter in :27.1. The Vicar kept his rivals single-file to the half in :55.4 but came under fire from Palladium Hanover (Travis Cullen) to three-quarters in 1:24.2.

The latter’s challenge fizzled out on the final turn, and The Vicar kicked away to score by two-and-a-half lengths in a cruise, stopping the clock in 1:53.1.

Palladium Hanover was second-best. Sportsline (Todd Ratchford) finished third.

THE VICAR REPLAY

The Vicar surpassed six digits in career earnings with the victory, his ninth of the year in 16 appearances. He moved to Ontario in June for owner GLB Stable of Lakeview after campaigning in The Maritimes. The sophomore gelding is now 12-for-20 lifetime with $103,782 in the bank.

The finale saw Gascoigne Sundae (Hilarious Halo) win and change hands for the third time in as many starts. The six-year-old gelding prevailed in an impressive first-over effort in 1:56.3 in his first start for Brett Riley. The six-year-old went from the Gord McDonnell barn on Sep. 26 to Rachel Andrew, for whom he won in a career-best 1:54.3 while being claimed and moved to Riley. The gelding will race next for owner La Ferme Tag and trainer Gerard Demers.

GASCOIGNE SUNDAY REPLAY

Racing continues at Flamboro Downs on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink