Not worse than third in her last eight starts. Not worse than third in her last six starts in this class at this track. Was Grey Sea overlooked in Thursday's top class tussle at Fraser Downs? Based on her post time odds, that's very easy to say in hindsight.

A field of seven was assembled for the $10,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace, the featured event on Thursday's nine-dash card. Despite winning at this level in her last appearance on Oct. 24, Grey Sea received little support from the wagering public, dismissed as a 10-1 outsider and the second longest shot on the board.

Favoured in this tilt was last week's winner, Outlaw Spiced Rum. Starting from post four for trainer-driver Rod Therres, the 7-10 favourite was able to make the front early, but then faced pressure from post seven starter Grey Sea and John Abbott. Therres grabbed grips and accepted a pocket ride behind Grey Sea, who breezed through fractions of :26.3, :55.3 and 1:23.3. Down the backside, Outlaw Allie Oops (David Hudon) made a bid with Ima Beach Diva (Allan Molloy) three-wide around the far turn. 

When Grey Sea reached the head of the lane, the challengers started to swarm. Therres angled Outlaw Spiced Rum to the passing lane, while overland challengers Outlaw Allie Oops and Ima Beach Diva fanned to the grandstand side. Arrhythmic Dream (Scott Knight) joined the fray late to make it a five-across finish. But at the wire, Grey Sea held tough and prevailed in 1:53.4 by a half length over the longest shot on the board, Ima Beach Diva, who edged out Outlaw Spiced Rum for second.

Gord Abbott trains Grey Sea (Custard The Dragon - Preference) for breeder/owner Seaspray Stables Ltd. of Nanaimo, B.C. That's the seventh win this year and 21st win lifetime for five-year-old Grey Sea, now with $169,550 in career earnings.

For the results from Thursday's card of harness racing in British Columbia, click the following link: Thursday Results - Fraser Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)