Arties Ideal strikes at London

Arties Ideal (American Ideal) drew away down the stretch to close out a victory in the Horses and Geldings Preferred Pace at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Monday (Dec. 8).

The stallion, resuming after a three-week break, grabbed the front from post three under orders from Samuel Fillion. He controlled the pace through the first half with :28 and :58.4 fractions.

Called In Sick (Nick Steward) became the challenger as he advanced from fifth through the third quarter, but he had work to do as the leader had opened up a two-length cushion on the turn. Called In Sick threatened from first-over as they raced through three-quarters in 1:27.1, and he maintained the gap around the final turn. Arties Ideal had too much left for the challenger, however, and kicked clear under mild urging to a two-and-a-quarter-length win in 1:55.4.

Called In Sick was a tough second. Ideal Perception (Anthony Haughan) get up in a three-across photo for third.

ARTIES IDEAL REPLAY

Arties Ideal reached a quarter-century in wins with the performance. It was the 2024 debut for the eight-year-old, who has now earned $621,190 in 120 lifetime starts. Kyle Fellows conditions the stallion for Hutt Racing Stable of Malvern.

The Raceway at the Western Fair District will continue racing on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5:50 p.m. EST. A Preferred Trot headlines the 11-race card.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink