Favourite Bella Palazzo ($4.60) and driver Scott Coulter held their ground stoutly in Wednesday evening’s (May 9) featured $10,000 Preferred 3 Handicap Trot at The Raceway at Western Fair District, battling back at the pegs to prevail after being headed into the final turn by Fluff Me Up.

The seven-year-old daughter of Tom Ridge was one of three to vie for the lead at the outset of the mile-and-a-sixteenth contest, and she ultimately gained control at the conclusion of a :28.4 first quarter mile after yielding to Stonebridge Score (Tyler Borth) on the first turn. After rating a :29.2 second sectional, Bella Palazzo faced a stout first-over challenge from fellow Scott West trainee Fluff Me Up (Robert Shepherd) with three-eighths to go, and the pair dueled clear of Stonebridge Score with a quarter mile remaining.

Fluff Me Up appeared to have overpowered her stablemate midway on the final turn, but Bella Palazzo dug deep to reclaim the advantage with a sixteenth to go. Ultimately, Bella Palazzo prevailed by half a length over the late-rallying Magic Night (Scott Young), completing the journey in 2:06.1 over fast going. Fluff Me Up finished an all-out third.

The Pod Stable LLC owns Bella Palazzo, who earned the 33rd win of her career.

To view Wednesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District. Due to technical difficulties, the results from Wednesday night's card will be finalized on Thursday morning.