Bastiano (Angus Hall) put his difficult start behind him with a wire-to-wire harness racing victory at Grand River Raceway on Wednesday (Jun. 9).

The eight-year-old gelding, a Preferred mainstay at Ontario B tracks for the last several years, finished sixth, third, and seventh to begin his 2022 campaign at The Raceway at Western Fair District. On Wednesday, trainer Donald Lindsey put the gelding back on track with a trip to the conditioned ranks at Grand River Raceway.

David Boughton ensured Bastiano’s control of the tempo with a quick takeover of the top spot. He was ahead by three-lengths at the quarter in :29.1 but settled down to a 1:00.1 half. He then kicked away from pocket-sitter Missys Magic Man (Jason Ryan) again approaching three-quarters in 1:29 while the top two distanced themselves from their four rivals.

Up by three lengths as he turned for home, Bastiano held a one-and-a-half-length margin as he scored in 1:58. Missys Magic Man was easily second-best. Lucky Rascal (Colin Kelly) headed the backfield in third. The public anticipated the winner’s improvement as he paid $3.30.

Bastiano increased his win total to 25 and his earnings to $172,418 in that start, his 106th lifetime. He won a leg of a Pop-Up Series at Woodbine Mohawk Park last season and raced in nine total top-class events at Grand River and Flamboro Downs in 2021. Bernie Bahr of Georgetown trains the gelding.

Brett MacDonald was the only driver to win two races on the card.

For complete race results, click here .

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink

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