Just Fiction front-stepped her way to a narrow score in Friday's featured $12,500 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Fraser Downs, prevailing by just a neck over the oncoming Miss Cloverdale champion.
With Hokie Spirit and Legal Suspensory scratched sick, post seven assignee Just Fiction was able to move in two spots and quickly worked her way to the lead in the early going. Driver Jim Marino sent the 8-5 second choice to the top over favourite Jans Rich Girl (Scott Knight) during the :28.2 opening panel before taking a second quarter breather.
Just Fiction marched past the half in :59 and three-quarters in 1:27.4 while Millbanks Ariel (Allan Molloy) advanced first over from third, but couldn't get by the leader as they rounded the final turn.
Down the stretch, Jans Rich Girl shot up the passing lane, but Just Fiction fought her off to win in a photo finish. The four-year-old Kents On Nuke mare earned his sixth victory of the season in 26 starts, covering the mile in 1:56.4 over the sloppy surface. Jans Rich Girl came up a neck short while Millbanks Ariel rounded out the top three finishers.
Just Fiction paid $5.50 to win.
The Ty O'Neill trainee is owned and bred by the J J J Stables of Aldergrove, B.C. She now boasts 22 wins on her lifetime record with earnings climbing to more than $240,000.
The victory completed a natural hat-trick for Marino, who swept the early Daily Double with his trainees Sweet Reunion ($4) and Judgemental ($57.90).
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.