by Scott Waddell, public relations director, Exhibition Park
Saint John, NB — John Davidson was clicking on all cylinders on Saturday afternoon at Exhibition Park Raceway as he scored a trio of winners as the track saw its last live race card go postward until the end of February.
Exeter Exclusive, owned by Kermit Allen of Sedgwick, Maine, captured the top class of the afternoon as he scored in a gate-to-wire effort in 2:13.3. Track conditions on the day were horrendous and there wasn’t a horse that paced better then 2:10 on the entire day. Twin B Casino was second in the top class with George The Fifth grabbing the third spot.
Western Gentleman, another Maine owned pacer trained and driven by Davidson, finally got a trip and won with ease in 2:13. Ron Dinsmore of Franklin, Maine owns the 11-year-old son of Western Hanover, who bested Eyes On You and Olympic Odyssey.
John completed the hat trick as he guided Gift Of Gab right to the top and made every post a winning one in 2:16. Roady Ryan was second after a tough first over trip, while Ms Harley D was third. This win gave Kermit Allen two winners on the afternoon.
Cement Truck was a ship-in on the afternoon and Terry Gallant made no mistake as he guided the five-year-old gelding to a 2:16.4 win. Gallant had made an early move in this one before backing off and waiting patiently in the three hole as some racing room opened up in the final quarter to get the job done. Fils De Air Lus, another Island entry, was second, with Island Xclusive rounding out the top trio.
PH Laughter did something on Saturday that she had a hard time doing all of last year, win a race. She led all the way and Todd Trites drove her to victory in 2:17.1 over race favorite Woodmere Penelope and Weekend Run. Cassandra Fram of Kingston owns the mare by the tough sire Happy Family.
Last year’s prohibitive favorite for Claimer of the Year honors continued where he left off last season. After winning his last three in 2004, Katahdin Country did what he loves to do on New Years Day, win another race. He won 14 races in 2004, with most coming at EPR and has to be the morning line favorite to capture at least a couple of awards this March. Chitty Fella N was a game second with Landfair Anna third.
Anybunny, a son of Precious Bunny, now eight, scored his 23rd career win for catch driver Gary Chappell as he scored a gate-to-wire effort in 2:15.2. Charles Symes owns the pacer who bested Bold Intentions and Power Pirate.
Jigtime Silencer, the pride of Upper Rexton, New Brunswick, made it two straight as he toyed with his competition, winning in 2:15 under wraps for trainer/driver Steve Mahar. Blaine and Donna Hannay are the owners of the four-year-old son of Largo. Millimetre inched up for second with Tarski nabbing third.
Woodmere Domino, a threat in the claiming ranks all of last season, scored in 2:16.2 for Steve Mason and the Downey Stables as he turned aside No Nonsense Now and Goddess Sahbra.
EPR is now dark until February and this gives both horseman and horses a well deserved break after a tough year of racing. For up to date information on EPR you can check out the latest news and information on http://www.eprracing.com.