Kor Mel Lil Lady survived a tough, parked-out trip to score a mild upset in the $45,200 Autumn Stakes Final for three-year-old filly trotters on Thursday night at Woodbine Racetrack
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The daughter of Malabar Maple-Kor Mel Glory parked through much of the first quarter before tucking briefly into fifth position past the :26.3 opening marker. Driver Phil Hudon brought her back outside in the second quarter to follow second choice Road Trip Girl in rein to Jody Jamieson.
In the meantime, favourite Found An Angel took over command and led past the half in a solid :56.1. Road Trip Girl continued to advance on the outside in the third quarter, bringing Kor Mel Lil Lady to within three lengths of the lead at the third station in 1:26.2.
At that stage, Hudon detected that Road Trip Girl was beginning to tire, so he sent his charge three-wide to go after the leader. Kor Mel Lil Lady overhauled the pacesetter and then had to fend off a late rally from Good Poker Face and driver Keith Oliver over the final eighth.
In the end, Kor Mel Lil Lady held on by a half length over Good Poker Face with Beazy finishing another half length back in third in the 1:57.1 mile. The winner returned $12.60 for the win.
It was the second win in 11 tries this season for Kor Mel Lil Lady who is owned by trainer William Killen along with Brenda and Melissa Killen of Hampton, Ontario. The winner’s share of the purse bumped her seasonal earnings to just over $37,000.
To view Thursday’s results, click here.