At odds of 14-1, Katies Beach secured a pocket trip from post seven to pop and edge to a neck victory in the $8,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 3 Pace at Flamboro Downs on Saturday, December 23.
Drafting behind pacesetter War Filly, Katies Beach stalked fractions of :28.1, :58.2, and 1:27.3 while sitting off an uncovered half-mile challenge by Pinky Tuscadero for the lead, with the 12-1 shot drawing within a quarter-length of the lead moving into the far turn. With Pinky Tuscadero still alongside War Filly into the stretch, Katies Beach rallied through the passing lane, catching War Filly at the line, with Pinky Tuscadero third.
A five-year-old mare by Somebeachsomewhere out of the Jennas Beach Boy mare Kg Katriona, Katies Beach, owned by J. Warren Casely, Richard Pointon, and Eric Sellors, won her fifth race in 31 starts this season and her eighth in 92 starts overall, earning $157,230. Trained by Rene Laarman and driven by Nick Steward, she paid $31.90 to win.
Opening the 10-race card was the second leg of the Alliance Series for $15,000 conditioned-claiming trotters. From the rail, Keepall wired the field as the odds-on favourite in 2:00.
Against five other competitors, Keepall acquired an uncontested lead and maintained control through splits of :29.4, 1:00.2, and 1:30.2 before coasting into the stretch two-and-a-quarter lengths clear of pocket-rider Massmade trotting to take second, with Little Macabee riding the rail to chase for third.
Owned by Jocelyne Menard, Keepall, a three-year-old gelding by Angus Hall out of the Meadow Road mare Speed Keeper, won his sixth race in 25 starts this season and in 26 starts overall, compiling $28,285 in earnings. Trained and driven by Wayne Mac Lean, he paid $3.90 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.