Smokin Hot Dude looks good in debut

Smokin Hot Dude (Big Jim) began his harness racing journey perfectly with an upset victory on debut on Tuesday (Jul. 4) at Georgian Downs.

Jean Bernard Renaud provided the gelding a pocket trip from the three-hold. Freight Air (J. Bradley Harris) headed the field through :29, 1:00, and 1:29 fractions with little resistance until favourite Why Wouldnt Ya (Brett MacDonald) bit the bullet from fifth approaching three-quarters.

Smokin Hot Dude remained in tow until entering the stretch and shifted out to put Freight Air to the test. The pacesetter resisted briefly, but Smokin Hot dude charged past him to win the two-year-old event in 1:57 at 23-1.

Freight Air was a length-and-a-quarter behind in second. Why Wouldnt Ya finished third.

SMOKIN HOT DUDE REPLAY

Smokin Hot Dude, trained by Julie Walker, qualified in 1:57.4 on Jun. 24. Walker co-owns the gelding with Teresa Davidson of Milton and Dr. Terry Fried of Bright.

Georgian Downs is set to race next on Saturday, Jul. 8.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink