R J Hooker toughs out big upset win

Long odds proved unfounded on R J Hooker (Glidemaster) when the harness racing gelding raced five-eighths of the mile first-up and powered to the line to win at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Friday (Mar. 31).

He lagged behind the wings and slipped in fourth ahead of a rough-gaited rival going into the first turn. Natasha Day mobilized the gelding when swinging towards the stands and had him two-and-a-half lengths behind at the half provided by leader Acefortyfour Elvis (Tyler Borth) in 1:01.4.

R J Hooker stepped up the pressure on the backstretch and reached the leader’s flank as they hit three-quarters in 1:31.4. Acefortyfour Elvis was unwavering around the final turn and headed for home with a two-length cushion. He began to labour in the last eighth of a mile though, and R J Hooker found a final surge to push his neck in front to prevail in 2:03.

Pray And Hustle (Don Rankin) collected a third-place cheque. The winner was the longest shot on the board at 15-1.

R J HOOKER REPLAY

R J Hooker’s win came after he finished well-beaten and no better than seventh in each of his past three starts at higher levels. It was the fourth career victory for the gelding in 26 attempts and was also the first time Natasha Day drove him. He debuted in 2022 at five for owner/breeder/trainer Ruth Moore and has since earned $22,400.

The Raceway at the Western Fair District will continue racing on Monday, Apr. 3 at 5:50 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink