River Lass continued her Alberta resurgence as she rolled to her third straight victory against Northlands Park's Open Mares in Friday's featured $8,500 pacing event
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Driver Jeff Stone made his move with the five-year-old As Promised-Brass Buttons mare at the :28.3 opening quarter mark when her tipped her off the pylons from fourth. River Lass quickly advanced around the turn and took over command from early speedster Weareverigo (Gerry Hudon) at the :59.1 half-mile marker. The even-money favourite opened up two lengths on her foes as she raced to three-quarters in 1:27.1 and continued to pour it on down the stretch. Alberta's 2010 Horse of the Year extended her lead to three and three-quarter lengths down the lane before hitting the wire in 1:56.3. Crying Over You (Bill Tainsh Jr.) came on for second over Weareverigo.
The Kelly Hoerdt trainee is now a perfect three-for-three this year. The win was her third in five starts since returning to Alberta after a six-month long campaign in Ontario last season.
River Lass paid $4.50 to win.
Hoerdt co-owns the career winner of 19 races in 42 starts and $261,926 in purses with fellow Beaumont resident Blair Corbeil.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Northlands Park.