Off a pocket trip Sodwana Bay, longest shot on the board at 12-1, bolted through the open stretch to post a half-length victory in the $10,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 2 Handicap at Flamboro Downs on Saturday, Nov. 10.
Driver Nick Steward placed the Victor Puddy trainee behind Outlaw Imahotvixen as she paced to the quarter in :27.4. Slowing to the half, Outlaw Imahotvixen soon faced first-over pressure from The Joy Luck Club launching from fourth to the :57.2 midpoint.
The Joy Luck Club remained within a nose of the lead entering the backstretch as Outlaw Imahotvixen withstood her challenge passing three-quarters in 1:25.2 and into the stretch before retreating from in between horses. Sodwana Bay darted into the passing lane and by The Joy Luck Club heading to the line while Casino Classic, sitting fourth throughout, launched a bid for the lead late but came short of victory in the 1:55.3 mile. The Joy Luck Club held third.
A five-year-old mare by No Pan Intended, Sodwana Bay won her 14th in 37 starts this season and her 20th in 75 overall, earning $145,697. Wayne Mac Rae and Howmac Farms Ltd. owns the $26.50 winner.
Odds-on favourite Twice An Angel took the $8,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 3 Pace going wire to wire in 1:54.4. Owned and trained by Jodie Cullen, the five-year-old Dragon Again mare set fractions of :27.4, :57.2 and 1:26.1 on the lead and held off the stretch bid of pocket-sitter Village Jamie by three-quarter lengths. Travis Cullen drove the $2.80 winner.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.