Continuing a red hot start to her three-year-old season Dixie Sue Graham and Steve Poore’s Powerfulconnection had no trouble dispatching of seven other diagonally-gaited, state-bred fillies as she rolled to a one-length victory

in a career-best of 1:58.2 while taking Sunday’s $9,000 Koochie Stake.

Confidently handled by driver Brian Carpenter, the daughter of Powerful Emotion-Alpine Queen was reserved in the early going, trotting along in fifth some 9-1/2 lengths away from Drinks On Me (Jamaica Patton), who led the field through opening splits of :29.1 and :58.1. Following the live cover of race favourite Bonnies Star (Mike Brink) as the field moved around the far turn, Carpenter had Powerfulconnection in perfect striking position on the outside of horses as Bonnies Star swept into command just before reaching the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:27.1.

In the stretch the Gerald Hansen-trained Powerfulconnection continued to cut into the margin of Bonnies Star while under minimal urging from Carpenter. Sticking a head in front with less than an eighth of a mile to trot, Powerfulconnection began to draw away from her main rival with long, fluid strides eventually drawing clear for her third straight win in as many tries this season. Bonnies Star held on gamely to finish second while Drinks On Me was a distant third.

The victory was the seventh in 16 career starts for the good looking brown filly who now boasts $14,950 in earnings. Sent off as the second choice in the wagering Powerfulconnection returned $4.80 to her backers.

(Balmoral Park)