Driver Jason Ryan jetted Esquire to the top and held firm on the lead to the finish, taking the $12,500 Preferred 2 & 3 Handicap Trot at Georgian Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 4).
Esquire led to a :28.3 first quarter and :59.4 half before facing a challenge from Cheatalotpov, who came first over moving to the half and drew within a length of the lead moving to three-quarters in 1:28. However Cheatalotpov stalled in the stretch, finishing one-and-a-quarter lengths behind Esquire in a 1:57.2 mile. Fly Beyond, from second over, finished third.
A seven-year-old gelding by Kadabra, Esquire won his fourth race from 15 starts this season and his 16th from 67 overall, earning $154,645. Mark Goddard trains the $11.90 winner for owner Brandon Guerra.
YS Tallia took the other featured event on the card, a $11,500 Fillies & Mares Preferred 2 Handicap.
Away last from post 7, YS Tallia sat off a speed battle set by Rockin Mystery, Sports Filx and Manhattan Night through early fractions of :27 and :55.4. Sports Flix held the early lead, but yielded to Rockin Mystery who then endured a first-over challenge from Manhattan Night moving to the backside a final time.
As Manhattan Night led to three-quarters in 1:24.2, YS Tallia made her move and shot from seventh to third before sweeping to the lead moving into the stretch. Larjon Legacy, first over into the final turn, battled to her inside but settled for second by a neck in a 1:53.1 mile. Manhattan Night took third.
Owned by Yves Sarrazin, YS Tallia won her 19th race from 65 starts, earning $259,665. Richard Moreau trains the six-year-old Western Ideal mare while Brett MacDonald drove the $8.20 winner.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Georgian Downs.