Cullen hits Wednesday grand slam

Canada’s leading harness racing trainer added another four victories to her account as four Jodie Cullen trainees won at Flamboro Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 11).

The Dundas-based trainer was one-for-one after race three, with Abovemypaygrade (Sunshine Beach) bringing home the dough in a maiden-breaking romp. The gelding, piloted by Jodie’s son Travis, was four-and-a-quarter lengths the best in 1:59.3.

ABOVEMYPAYGRADE REPLAY

Cullen won her next race with a similarly crushing performance from Howyouplay Thegame (Sportswriter). The gelding got every call and motored to a five-length score in 1:55.2 with Daryl Thiessen at the lines. It was the five-year-old’s second start for Jodie Cullen, who took over training from owner/breeder David Snowden. The gelding is now 10-for-63 lifetime with $75,766 in earnings.

HOWYOUPLAY THEGAME REPLAY

Two races later, Respect Our Flag (Roll With Joe) wired the field for driver Travis Cullen in 1:56.2. The gelding, who was stepping down from the Woodbine Mohawk Park level, earned his sixth win of the season and upped his career earnings to $536,059. Paul Sanders, Travis Cullen, and Ron Cullen own the eight-year-old, a 41-time lifetime winner.

RESPECT OUR FLAG REPLAY

Jodie Cullen completed her quadruple as Codename Cigar Box (Custard The Dragon, Travis Cullen) came through as the odds-on favourite. The six-year-old persevered through a first-over march, overpowering pacesetter Ideal Perception (Anthony Haughan) in the stretch to prevail in 1:55.1.

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Cullen, with her four-for-five performance on the night, increased her seasonal tally to 220. She is now just five victories and less than $60,000 short of equaling her personal bests in wins and earnings, both of which she set last year. The trainer is 60 wins clear atop the national standings and more than 20 ahead at Flamboro.

Racing continues at Flamboro Downs on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6:35 p.m. EST. The nine-race card will feature a Fillies and Mares Preferred.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink