Flamboro Downs took centre stage on an exhilarating Sunday (February 11) as Radio Lab emerged as the star performer, stealing the limelight during a sensational $10,000 conditioned trot.
This thrilling event, featuring twelve races, became the highlight of the day's proceedings.
Launching the first half of the card, Radio Lab, positioned at post two, faced a formidable field of eight non-winners of $65,000 lifetime trotters. Accomplished driver Ed Hensley strategically settled the 3-5 favourite in the fifth position as Sicario and Brett MacDonald dictated the tempo, clocking a swift first quarter in :28.3.
With precision, Hensley meticulously tracked the cover of Delcrest Brent and Steven Hudon, expertly positioning himself second-over in fifth place, while Sicario continued to assert dominance at the halfway mark, recording a time of :59.1. Demonstrating flawless execution, Hensley orchestrated an audacious manoeuvre, guiding Radio Lab three-deep off the third turn, surging past the sluggish cover on the backstretch to draw level with the leader's wheel at three-quarters, timed in 1:28.2.
In an electrifying showdown, Sicario valiantly defended along the pylons as the duo raced as a formidable team into the home stretch. However, in a breathtaking display of power, Radio Lab ultimately triumphed over the relentless Sicario, surging ahead by two lengths at the finish line in a remarkable time of 1:57.3. Notably, Jason Ryan and Impressive Dude secured a commendable third-place finish.
This victory marked Radio Lab's first triumph of the season and an impressive milestone of 10 career wins for the five-year-old gelded son of Crazed-Warrawee Jade. Co-owned by Ed Hensley and trainer Ashleigh Hensley, Radio Lab's career earnings soared to $142,144. An exceptional day for Ed Hensley, who celebrated two victories on the card, as Procrastinator, trained by Michelle Leblanc, emerged victorious in the evening's 11th race.