The trip was a long one, but the end result was blissful for Highland Candy Bar who pulled off a stunning upset in Friday’s $60,000 Autumn Stakes Final for three-year-old pacing fillies at Woodbine Racetrack
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Trainer/driver Garrett Whelan made the best of the bad trip situation with the daughter of Mach Three-Oh My Dear, who held on for the narrow score at odds of 38-1.
Highland Candy Bar watched Carly Hollywood take the field to the quarter pole in :27.1 before that foe released Charolettes Maggie to the position of command. It was a brief lead, however, as race favourite Carly Hollywood zipped right back to the outside for the re-take attempt. Highland Candy Bar was parked the whole time, and she continued to be parked by Carly Hollywood through middle panels of :57 and 1:26.
Highland Candy Bar dug in when called on for more speed at the head of the lane, and her :29.2 closing quarter was just enough to fend off a traffic-troubled Shadys Art, who nearly managed to sweep the field, by a head. Third prize in the rich tilt went to Machs Delicacy.
Bred and owned by Highland Thoroughbred Frm of Inglewood, ON, Highland Candy Bar got off the schneid and improved her 2011 record to 1-5-4 in 26 starts with the victory. The three-time winner lifted her lifetime earnings to $77,430 with the win.
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Woodbine Racetrack.