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Crafty Brent broke a step slow, but recovered in time to claim a one length win over Treasured Friend in Sunday's $6,200 feature race completing a strong opening weekend at Fonner Park.
Owned and trained by Temple Rushton and ridden to victory by Mike Ziegler, Crafty Brent broke last in the field of seven speedy geldings, but was hustled alertly to the lead down the backstretch by Ziegler.
"We were able to get his feet underneath him and took the lead," Ziegler said. "Then I had some company on the lead with the six horse (Treasured Friend), but I went to the left-hand stick and he just took off. He's really a fun little horse to ride."
Crafty Brent covered the four furlong distance in 47 seconds flat and returned $27.20 to win, with an exacta pay-off of $107.80.
D D Dot Comm rallied for third place to help return a one-dollar trifecta payoff of $672.60.
The Sunday card completed under windy conditions with intermittent snow still did not deter many people from enjoying the races. That pleased Fonner Park officials.
Fonner Park CEO Hugh Miner called the opening weekend a huge success, with just about everything going as planned.
"You really couldn't ask for a better start," Miner said. "When you consider the weather we've had leading up to opening weekend, you really have to hand it to the trainers for getting their horses in top shape.
"From a competitive standpoint, I was thrilled to see so many different trainers and riders do well on opening weekend, when the wins are spread out it's very encouraging to everyone around."
Miner was especially happy not only by the strong attendance figures for opening weekend, but the mood of the crowds.
"What's great to see, is the stands full and people having a good time," Miner said. "That's what racing is all about."
Hoofprints
* For the third day in a row, eight different jockeys and eight different trainers won a race.
* Jockey Donald Herber and trainer Larry Donlin teamed up to win two races on the day scoring with Trinity River in the first and Shawklit Fantasy in the third.
* The Marvin Johnson trained entry finished one-two in the seventh race and returned great prices for their backers. Man From Lorado under the strong ride by Terry Houghton won, while Jesus Ponce guided stablemate Justdigit to second.
Somewhat overlooked by bettors, the entry paid $20.20 to win, $14.60 to place, and $7.40 to show.
* Racing resumes Friday with a post-time of 2 p.m.
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