Open Win Kicks Off Marino Five-Bagger
Prairie Illusion made the first start for her new owner a winning one on Friday night with a career-best 1:54.2 triumph in the $12,500 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Fraser Downs.
After hitting the board in her last four starts, it was finally Prairie Illusion's time to shine. With five-time Friday winner Jim Marino in the sulky, she unleashed a :28.2 final frame to circle the field of five and defeat the popular pacesetter, Phone Terror (Serge Masse), by three-quarters of a length. Jans Rich Girl (Scott Knight) rounded out the top three finishers.
Prairie Illusion paid $10.20 to win as the 4-1 third choice.
The four-year-old Mach Three-Twin B Magical mare was claimed for $30,000 from her last race on April 12 at Fraser Downs by trainer-owner William Young of Langley, B.C.
She is now 13-for-50 in her career and has hit the board 62 per cent of her starts while earning over $100,000 in purses.
Marino, Fraser's leading driver this season, went on to win with his trainee Belly Laugher ($4.50), Hometown Gringo ($5.80) for trainer Heather Burke, Getmethruthenite ($13.40) for Ty O'Neill, and Branding Party ($12) for Paul Urquhart.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.