Ouellette directs pacer to 1:52 final victory

Silver Dragon extended his winning streak to four as he completed a sweep of the Youthful Pacing Series for 3 year olds on Friday night at Woodbine Racetrack.

With regular pilot Luc Ouellette on board, the speedy son of Dragon Again-Fancy Art got away third off the gate in the $56,800(C) final behind early leader Pro Art, but inherited the two hole after pocket-sitter Egyptian Artist made a break in the first turn.

Following a brisk first quarter of :27, Ouellette fired Silver Dragon to the front in the second panel and put up an opening half of :55.4. His first challenge came in the third quarter when Valentowner pressed the pacesetter through three-quarters in 1:24.1 with Pro Art sitting back on the inside third.

As the field turned for home, Valentowner became an increasing threat and looked like he might go by the favored leader. However, Silver Dragon responded to the challenge and pulled away from the gritty challenger with a sharp :27.4 final frame to stop the clock in 1:52. Valentowner held gamely for second with Scottery Tickets garnering the show spot.

There was an incident in the homestretch as Resistol, with Greg Dustin driving, struck a wheel and fell to the track. Dustin immediately got to his feet and the colt later walked off the track under his own power with no serious injuries apparent.

The victory for Silver Dragon was his sixth of the campaign in 10 starts for trainer Kevin McMaster. The lion's share of the purse boosted his career earnings to more than $110,000(C) for owner David Ratchford of North Sydney, Nova Scotia. (WEG)

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