Lydi Lula Belle led her competition the whole way and held off a late challenge from odds-on favourite Tajmeallover to win the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace in 1:56.2 on Saturday, July 7 at Century Downs.
Driver Paul Davies sent the Jim Marino trainee to the top from post 1, passing the quarter in :29. The six-year-old mare by Henry Clay remained unpressured through a :57.3 half and by three-quarters as American Passion attempted to improve position from first over moving into the final turn.
Following the third-quarter in 1:26.4, Lydi Lula Belle continued to lead while American Passion stalled. Tajmeallover, from second over, rallied wide and closed a half-length shy of victory. You Name It, riding the rail, took third.
Owned by the J J J Stables and Jim Marino, Lydi Lula Belle won for the fourth time in 12 starts this season and for the 14th in 60 overall, earning $104,390. She returned $7.40 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Century Downs.