by Ken Weingartner for the Breeders Crown

TORONTO – Mike Lachance tied the Breeders Crown record by driving his third winner of the night, guiding Charley Barley to victory in the $600,000 event for 2-year-old male pacers in 1:53.3.

Charley Barley, sent off at 6-1, bested favorite Kenneth J and Artzina for his second win in nine starts. He is trained by Kimberlie Miller and owned by John Ezzo and Lisa Adkins.

Olay Olay, Charley Barley and Laughing Art battled for the lead in the early stages of the race, with Kenneth J eventually taking the point just past the half-mile point, which was reached in 56.1 seconds.

Kenneth J continued to lead into the stretch before being caught by Charley Barley. Artzina, who raced three-wide around the final turn because of traffic trouble, still had enough pace to finish third.

“I knew I would have a clear shot in the stretch,” Lachance said. “I didn’t know how much fight he would have in the stretch, but he fought enough.”

Lachance increased his Breeders Crown total to 26 trophies with the victory. Only John Campbell, with 41, has more titles.

“I was hoping I could win one, but not three,” Lachance said.