Blue Star Beauty prevailed from the pocket in Northlands Park's first Open event of the year for distaffers on a frosty -23 degree Saturday afternoon.
Driven by Kelly Hoerdt in the $10,000 feature, Blue Star Beauty followed pacesetter Crackers Hot Shot through fractions of :29.1, :59 and 1:29 before overtaking her in the stretch for the 1:59.4 victory over the frozen track. Blue Star Beauty paid $7.20 to win. Favourite American Passion abandoned an early attempt to leave after being caught wide and later closed from last in the compact field of five to edge out Crackers Hot Shot for second-place. Feelin Flush finished fourth and Clearly Best was fifth while Sing Like An Angel was scratched sick.
Blue Star Beauty, a six-year-old daughter of As Promised, now has 24 wins in 70 career starts and earnings just shy of $290,000 for trainer Doug Stout and owner Derek Stout, both of Camrose, Alberta.
Bill Tainsh Jr. led all drivers for wins with four on the 13-race card including two from his own stable, first-time starter Lovethatsixpack and Insinger, who are both co-owned by Walter Moroz.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northlands Park.