Kelly Hoerdt trainee In High Cotton posted a front-stepping win in the $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Fraser Downs on Thursday night (March 23), a night dominated by driver Brandon Campbell and trainer Jim Marino.

In the feature, In High Cotton took the lead to a :27.4 first quarter and coasted through a :57.2 half before facing a challenge from Miss Itunes to three-quarters in 1:25.2. Miss Itunes stalled in her bid off the turn but odds-on favourite and Jim Marino trainee Moosette came calling to the outside for Campbell. In High Cotton held her ground to the inside through the lane and claimed a half-length win in 1:54.1 over the dynamic duo with Moosette. Hang On Sloopy finished third and Miss Itunes took fourth.

Kelly Hoerdt drove In High Cotton, a five-year-old mare by Somebeachsomewhere. The 12-time winner and earner of $149,467 competes for owners Kelly Hoerdt and Blair and Erna Corbeil. She paid $8.50 to win.

Though the feature fell outside their clutches, Brandon Campbell and Jim Marino nonetheless had a fruitful night. While steering three trainees to victory for Jim Marino, Brandon Campbell won six races in a row to wrap the eight-race card. Of the Marino pupils, Campbell won with Western Summit (1:55.2 winning mile; $5 to win), Aces In Play (2:01.3; $2.50) and Side Piece (1:56.2; $3.20). Campbell’s other victories came with Riverunsnappy (1:57.1; $4.80), Ontheroadtotexas (1:54.2; $3.30) and Chewing Ona Writer (1:59.1; $18.70).

To view Thursday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results – Fraser Downs.