She had to endure an eventful journey from the second row, but Tilikum ($34.50) was once again able to reach when it counted, upending odds-on favourite Thewayulooktonight to capture Tuesday evening’s (Jan. 16) featured $10,500 Preferred 2 for pacing mares at The Raceway at Western Fair District.

Away fifth in the scratch-reduced field of seven, Tilikum was well off a :28.4 first quarter duel between Maxim Seelster (Alfie Carroll) and Thewayulooktonight (Colin Kelly) before outer flow developed from mid-division an eighth of a mile later. Denis St. Pierre spotted the six-year-old Jeremes Jet mare second-over behind Dancing Shadows K (Robert Shepherd), and the pair followed mild cover to a :59.2 half.

Tilikum lost her cover with three-eighths to go when Dancing Shadows K stagnated and broke stride upon reaching the backstretch, and subsequently worked around a stalled Maxim Seelster after she pulled pocket to re-engage Thewayulooktonight a quarter from home. With Thewayulooktonight at her limit in mid-stretch, Tilikum lifted to a narrow lead 40 yards from the winning post and edged away by half a length in the final few strides for a 1:59.4 score, her fourth in five races and the 15th of her career. Thewayulooktonight held second over the ground-saving Bourbon Seelster (Ryan Holliday), who stayed on up the pegs for third.

St. Pierre co-owns Tilikum with trainer Tiffanee Staley.

In the sub-featured $8,900 Preferred 3 for pacing mares, War Filly ($8.40) brushed early and sprinted off from her eight foes at head-stretch, covering a mile and a sixteenth in 2:06.3 for her 15th career win. Colin Kelly drove the six-year-old Mach Three mare for trainer John Powell, who co-owns with Bradley Powell.

To view Tuesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.