Despite a compact field of four, the $10,000 Filly and Mare Preferred provided plenty of action Thursday (Dec. 6) at Fraser Downs with In High Cotton emerging on top with driver Kelly Hoerdt.
Leaving from post two, Hoerdt settled In High Cotton into third on the first turn while 1-5 favourite Grey Sea (John Abbott) laid down a hot opening quarter of :26.4. Ima Beach Diva (Allan Molloy) was not content to sit the pocket, pulling first-over on the favourite as the two battled to the halfway point in a wicked :54.4. Ima Beach Diva retreated on the backstretch, moving In High Cotton to second on the leader's helmet as the duo reached three-quarters in 1:23.3.
Swinging to the outside off the last turn, In High Cotton took her shot, but Grey Sea was stubborn on the lead despite the stiff fractions. The two battled through the lane, with In High Cotton surging late to beat out Grey Sea by a half-length in 1:54. Stonebridge Jade (Scott Knight) picked up the show dough.
Hoerdt trains and co-owns the six-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Olivette Hanover along with Blair and Erna Corbeil. An eight-time winner in 33 starts in 2024, In High Cotton has banked $67,850 on the season and $267,217 lifetime.
The victory was one of three on the evening for Hoerdt to lead all drivers.
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Fraser Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)