Stonebridge Zeus Thunders To London Feature Win

Local stables have stepped up again to sponsor competitors in the 6th Annual Drivers’ Holiday Challenge

Stonebridge Zeus powered to command early and took a front-end trip to victory in the $8,800 conditioned feature trot at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Travis Henry looked to drop the gelding in fourth rounding the first turn but saw the hole close, forcing a rush to the top before the quarter in :30. Stonebridge Zeus then got a soft second quarter to the half in 1:02 over a good track rated two seconds off, but he picked up company as Downstairs Party (Lorne House) rolled up first-over and chased him down the backstretch to three-quarters in 1:32.3. He outlasted that rival, putting him away on the last turn, and the rally from Lookproud (Garrett Rooney) came too late as Stonebridge Zeus cruised to a two-length victory in 2:02.3. Teasin (Daryl Thiessen) finished third.

Stonebridge Zeus struck for the fourth time this year in 32 starts for trainer Bryan Lawrence of Hanover, Ont., who co-owns the gelding with Smurk Inc. of Elmira, Ont. The six-year-old son of Resolve-Stonebridge Epic is 14-for-127 lifetime and has earned $163,744. He returned $5 to his backers.

Drivers, on the night, with multiple victories included Travis Henry (2), Lorne House (2) and Garrett Rooney (3). House and Rooney will both represent the Ontario region in the upcoming Drivers’ Holiday Challenge - in support of Toys For Tots - on Tuesday, December 9 in London. House is the defending champ, of the event, after competing in his first ever driver challenge - of any kind - in last year’s edition.

To view Tuesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.

(With files from Standardbred Canada)