Smooth Criminal repeat as a gate-to-wire winner from post one in the $9,000 Open Pace at Northlands Park on Saturday, but this time in a career-best clocking for trainer/driver Bill Tainsh Jr.

The five-year-old Alberta-sired gelding by Blue Burner is owned by Willie Wychopen of St. Paul and Edmonton's Walter Moroz.

Smooth Criminal cruised through fractions of :27, :54.2 and 1:22.1 en route to the 1:52.3 triumph. Timberline Court (Gerry Hudon) closed up the rail to finish one length behind in second. Pocket-sitter Rock Allstar (Jamie Gray) prevailed in a photo for show over outsider Who Doesnt (Travis Cullen), who was parked the entire mile after challenging early for the lead.

Sent postward as the heavy favourite, Smooth Criminal paid $3.90 to win.

He's now won half of his eight starts in the Open class this year while never missing a paycheque to bank $22,000. His lifetime record currently reads 18-9-10 in 58 starts and his bankroll tops $200,000.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northlands Park.