Karma Racing, Inc's Southwind Trini overcame a Post 9 assignment en route to a decisive 1:51.2 triumph in Thursday evening's $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Vernon Downs.
The six-year-old Rocknroll Hanover mare wasted no time achieving the lead, pushing clear of Love You Bye (Jimmy Whittemore) through a :26.3 initial quarter before settling the pace down a bit. After a half-mile in :55, the 6-5 favourite faced mild pressure from the first-over Carobbean Pacetry (Chris Lems). Southwind Trini kicked clear at will off the turn, drawing clear of Carobbean Pacetry to win by 3-3/4 lengths. Artic Byrd (Truman Gale) stayed even from second-over to hold third over a ground-saving Always Flashn (Aaron Byron).
Jim Marohn, Jr. handled the driving duties aboard Southwind Trini for trainer Patti Harmon. She paid $4.60.
Aaron Byron led all drivers on the evening with three wins, teaming up with Elizabeth Bluechip ($7.20, 1:54.3), Sukura ($15.20, 1:56), and Got The Munchies ($16.00, 1:54).
(Vernon Downs)