Sunshine Boy retains Fraser crown to start season

Sunshine Boy (Sunshine Beach), who won the final Preferred Pace of the 2023 harness racing season at Fraser Downs, captured the first edition of the class of the 2024 season on Friday (Feb. 9).

The gelding, driven by Scott Knight, secured the lead passing the half and kicked clear by three as he paced for home. Itll Be Fine (Dave Hudon) rallied in the stretch and ate into the margin, but Sunshine Boy was clear by a length and sailed to a 1:53.2 victory. Itll Be Fine took the place spot. Mach Steady (John Abbott) completed the triactor.

SUNSHINE BOY REPLAY

Sunshine Boy won five Preferreds in a row near the end of last season and six of his final seven, including the meet closer. The six-year-old has racked up 24 career wins and a bankroll of $251,628 in 69 appearances. Jim Marino conditions the gelding with J J J Stables of Prince George and Paul Sanders of Surrey.

Knight tallied three times on the seven-race card.

Fraser Downs’s next race date is set for Thursday, Feb. 15.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink