Racing at the 'Ocean Oval' last night produced the first dead heat of the season. The morning line favourite for Race 2, Bellimbusto raced well, as expected, but was challenged hard by Moira Bell.

Moira Bell is a three-year-old filly trained by John Bell. Starting from Post 8, the trotting filly had to work hard to catch up to Bellimbusto, which started from Post 2. Bellimbusto is a five-year-old gelding trained by Doris Lineweaver.

Bellimbusto (driven by Justin Brenneman) took the early lead, reaching the quarter mile marker in :32:1. Moira Bell (Chuck Perry, Jr.) urgently went overland to make a push from 10 lengths in arrears, trying to catch the leader. By the time Bellimbusto reached the half-mile marker in 1:03:4, Moria Bell was neck-to-neck with the gelding.

Sensing the challenge, Bellimbusto moved faster, but wasn't able to get more than half-length away from his rival. Coming down the homestretch, Bellimbusto still clung to his small lead. Moira Bell (7.80) knowing it was then or never, started her brush and slowly drew alongside Bellimbusto (5.60). When both horses reached the finish line they were nose-to-nose (2:05:2).

The enlarged photo finish showed both racehorses at the line together thus providing Ocean Downs with its first dead heat of the meet.

"Moira Bell is a well-bred filly. She's getting better with every race," said Perry. "Coming around the final turn I thought we could catch the leader and I thought we had him at the wire, but I guess not."

Perry sits in second place in the Ocean Downs driving title chase with 35 wins. Frank Milby is at the top of the standings with 45 wins. There are six more nights of live racing left at Ocean Downs. The meets concludes with a fabulous display of fireworks on Sunday, August 23.

(With files from Ocean Downs)