Just Fiction and stablemate Shoplifter Hanover swept the top two spots in this week's edition of the $12,500 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Fraser Downs for trainer Ty O'Neill and the J J J Stables.
With four-time Friday night winning driver J.F. Gagne aboard, Just Fiction followed Jans Rich Girl (Scott Knight) through fractions of :27.2 and :57.1 before pulling the pocket and wearing her down. The four-year-old daughter of Kents On Nuke applied heavy pressure to the pacesetter en route to three-quarters in 1:25.3 and drew clear into the stretch, but had to contend with her hard-closing barn buddy as they raced to the wire. Just Fiction did hold on by a head for the 1:54.4 score. Hokie Spirit (John Hudon) finished just a half length back in third off a three-hole trip while Jans Rich Girl trailed three lengths behind.
The homebred mare is now five-for-20 this year with over $57,000 earned in purses. She has won half of her 42 career starts while banking $224,015.
Just Fiction paid $7.40 to win as the 5-2 second choice while combining with Shoplifter Hanover, the longest shot on the board at odds of 23-1, for a $97.70 exactor.
In other action, Chris Lancaster won his first training start during Friday's card as driver James Burke guided five-year-old Brandons Cowboy mare Rossridge Fortune ($4.40) to a 1:55.3 front-end victory in the fifth race. She is owned by John Heras of Delta, B.C.
The 21-year-old Port Coquitlam, B.C. conditioner also sent out three-year-old As Promised filly Promising Girl on his debut night with Mark Abbott driving her to a second-place finish in the seventh race.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.