Third straight for Dontpokethedragon

Dontpokethedragon remained undefeated in 2021 as he won the harness racing Open Handicap Pace at Fraser Downs with a late rail dive on Friday, Apr. 2.

Driver Brandon Campbell urged him fastest off the gate, reaching the top briefly before Kneedeep N Custard (Kelly Hoerdt) drove on to assume command. Kneedeep N Custard led through fractions of :27.2, :57, and 1:26.3.

Armycaptin Hanover (Scott Knight) lurked first-over turning for home and Dontpokethedragon remained in the pocket. Kneedeep N Custard fought on, but Dontpokethedragon unfurled his wings with a 1/16th to go and slid up the passing lane to win by half a length in 1:55.2.

Armycaptin Hanover just got up for second over Kneedeep N Custard, who finished third. The winner was a mild upset, paying $15.30.

Dontpokethedragon is a four-year-old Custard The Dragon gelding. He has won eight of his 30 lifetime tries and brought in just less than $100,000. Jim Marino trains and co-owns with Paul Sanders of Surrey and J J J Stables of Prince George.

Both Campbell and Hoerdt, the top two reinsmen at Fraser Downs, steered four winners on the evening. Hoerdt narrowly tops the drivers’ standings with 18 wins over Campbell, who has 17. Rod Therres is a distant third with five winners so far this season.

Also on the card, the three-year-old Shadow Play gelding, Helter Skelter ($2.60), broke his maiden in the fifth race pace. He crushed a nine-horse maiden field in wire-to-wire fashion on his 14th start for owner/trainer/breeder Randy Rutledge of Aldergrove. Campbell drove that one to victory in 1:58.4.

For full race results, click here.