It Takes Two triumphed after a strategic journey to claim victory in the $11,600 Preferred Handicap Pace for male horses and geldings on Monday, 18th March at The Raceway at the Western Fair District.
The win was a joint effort between the four-year-old Artspeak-Shellace gelding, trainer Scott McNiven, and driver Lorne House. It Takes Two followed the lead of the favoured Wilcat Rocky (Travis Henry) throughout the race, with splits timed at :28.2, :59, and 1:28. It wasn't until the final split that It Takes Two made its move. Surging forward in the home stretch, the horse broke free from the pocket and engaged in a fierce battle with the frontrunner. In a nail-biting finish, It Takes Two emerged victorious by a nose over Wilcat Rocky. Despite an early setback, Hollys Treasure (Dan Clements) managed to recover and secure third place.
Homebred by Kimberley McNiven and Bradley Douglas, It Takes Two has now surpassed the six-figure mark in career earnings, reaching $102,021. With a total of 58 starts, the gelding has achieved an impressive record of 14 wins, 11 second-place finishes, and 11 third-place finishes. In this season alone, It Takes Two has won half of its 10 appearances on the track. As the unexpected 8-1 underdog winner, the horse paid out $17.00 for a win.