The Loan Ranger golden at Dresden

The Loan Ranger led from start to finish in the Preferred 3 Pace at Dresden Raceway on Saturday over a damp surface that nearly prevented the day’s harness racing action from beginning.

He began quickest in line to Marc St. Louis, getting a hassle-free path to the lead in a :30 first quarter mile. The eight-year-old gelding got a breather going to the half in 1:01.4 but accelerated again when Cullen Keefe N (Lorne House) made his presence known first-over in the third panel.

The Loan Ranger hit three-quarters in 1:30.4 and put away Cullen Keefe N as the field of eight turned for home. Life Is Better (Garrett Rooney) stayed with the leader and offered a challenge, but The Loan Ranger held firm for a 2:00 victory. Life Is Better finished second; A Positive Hanover (Donnie Rankin Jr.) closed from eighth to third.

THE LOAN RANGER REPLAY

The Loan Ranger, an eight-year-old Up The Credit gelding, has won 28 of 197 career starts and has amassed $205,472 in earnings. Peter Core trains him for Donald and Heather McGregor of Camlachie.

St. Louis picked up a driving triple on the day.

According to Standardbred Canada via Dresden Raceway, the card was almost canceled due to an unsafe slippery surface after hours of rain. Track superintendent Danny Mills reportedly scraped the top of the track off and resurfaced sections to give the starting gate sufficient grip. After a two hour delay, action began.

Dresden Raceway will hold its next race date on Sunday, Jul. 18.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink