Despite finding herself in constant battle, Southwind Trini proved unwavering in Thursday night's $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open-Preferred Pace at Vernon Downs, capping a driving hat trick for Jim Marohn, Jr.
Coming off victories in her last two Vernon appearances, the six-year-old Rocknroll Hanover mare was hard used to clear JK Letitgo (Jimmy Whittemore) through a :26 first quarter. The two were joined off the gate by 1-4 favourite, Lets Go Higher (Chris Lems), who retreated to a tracking position before commencing her first-over bid on the backstretch.
After forcing a :54.4 half mile, Lets Go Higher turned up the pressure on the far turn, gaining a narrow lead briefly, but Southwind Trini would not relent. Off the far turn, she fought back to a 1-1/4 length lead, holding sway by three-quarters of a length for a 1:52.3 score over sloppy going. Thats My Dream (Claude Huckabone, III) finished third off a ground-saving trip, while JK Letitgo tired through the stretch after chasing the contested pace.
Patti Harmon trains Southwind Trini for Karma Racing Inc.
Jim Marohn, Jr. led all drivers with three wins on the night, teaming up with Flying Fish ($13.60, 1:57) and Ace Of Pace ($2.80, 1:53.4) in addition to his victory in the evening's featured event.
(Vernon Downs)