Neal Diamonique survived an overland journey to earn his first victory of the year in the $8,700 Open Pace featured on Saturday’s afternoon program at Alberta Downs

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Killean Cut Kid (Kelly Hoerdt) forged his way to the top from Post 3 and posted opening fractions of :27.2 and :56.4 before Timberline Court (Gerry Hudon) moved underway from fourth providing Neal Diamonique and Jim Marino with cover.

Timberline Court cleared the lead before three-quarters in 1:24.2 leaving Neal Diamonique on out his own. Neal Diamonique applied pressure to the new leader around the final turn and put him away as he charged home to his 22nd victory lifetime in 1:53.3 by one and three-quarter lengths over a ‘good’ track. Greek Ruler (John Chappell) and favourite Wrangler Hitech (Keith Clark) came on for second and third respectively.

Neal Diamonique, who has picked up cheques in all eight of his seasonal starts, pushed his bankroll to $10,694 for 2011 and $349,642 lifetime with tonight’s victory. Lance Ward trains the six-year-old son of Real Desire-Diamonique Mindale for owners Edward Dhoedt of Edmonton and Ernest Greenwood of St. Albert, Alta.

The winner paid $10.10 as the 4-1 fifth choice in the field.

For results from Saturday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Alberta Downs.