Trotters were in the spotlight Thursday evening at Flamboro Downs, and a horse that’s grown accustomed to being in that spotlight captured the $11,000 Preferred 2 for trotters.

Kennel Buddy is his name, and winning has been his game in recent weeks for trainer David Dowling.

J Harris was in no hurry in the early stages of the mile with the seven-year-old son of Ken Warkentin-Bernice Daniece, but the same couldn’t be said for Winkys Pride. That foe fired to the lead and hammered out panels of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:27.3 before coughing up the top spot. Harris grabbed cover at the half for Kennel Buddy, and after a three-wide move at the three-quarter pole the even-money favourite charged home in :29.3 to win by 3-3/4 lengths over Grana Padanno in 1:57.4. Third prize went to Hldontghttoyurdrms.

Allan Neal of Grand Bend, Ont. owns career winner of $266,811. The 32-time winner has notched victories in five of his last six attempts.

The $7,500 Preferred 3 for trotters went to Vics Royal Lady and driver Scott ‘the Answer’ Young in 1:58.4. The mare got away second, but made a big move to the lead in the second quarter. She zipped the field through middle splits of 1:00.1 and 1:29.3 before kicking home in :29.1 to win in 1:58.4. Bella Palazzo was 1-3/4 lengths in arrears, with Lexis D J taking home third money.

Trainer Alvin Hamilton co-owns Vics Royal Lady with partners Thomas McMann, Jeff Waugh and Jeff Packer. The five-year-old daughter of Angus Hall-Royal Vic is 2-for-11 this season and 12-for-57 in her career. She’s banked over $86,000 to date.

(Standardbred Canada)