Hamilton, ON — The C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series moved north of the border on Sunday (May 26) for a contest at Flamboro Downs in Hamilton, Ont.

There were only two Americans who ventured to Canada for the C$6,000 pacing event which was dominated by the hometowners, who drove six of the eight pacers in the contest.

There was no stopping Frederick “Frenchy” Bourgault, when he put his charge, Sly Baran, in high gear as the field approached the three-quarters and they drew off to a comfortable four length victory in 1:58.4 over Mr Yokassippi, driven by T. “Marielle” Enberg.

When the starter said “go” Isaac “Izzy” Waxman sent Bettors Mark to the lead but he was challenged on the outside by A Yankee Feeling and driver “Fast Phillipe” Trudeau and the two leaders zipped by the quarter in :28. They kept the pedal to the metal as they passed the halfway point in :57.2. At that point the eventual winner was some six lengths behind but up the backside Bourgault wheeled his charge three-deep and they circled all in front of them and rolled home an easy winner. Bettors Mark, after constant pressure, tired in the lane and was overtaken for second money by Enberg’s Mr Yokassippi, a 26-1 shot.

Owned by Frederick and Richard Bourgault, Sly Baran, a 6-year-old altered son of Rambaran, is trained by his driver. He paid $7.80. Last year Bourgault won a Billlings contest at Grand River Raceway.

On Monday (May 27), the Canadian Billings action moves north to Woodbine Mohawk Park for a 10-horse trot.