Southwind Jaden was a late-closing surprise victor in the featured $12,000 Open Pace at Fraser Downs on Friday night (February 16) for the father-son, training-driving duo of Sanford and Brandon Campbell.
Leaving from post four as the longest shot on the board, 14-1 Sterling Cooper forged on after an early tussle with inside leavers Next Thing Smoken and Royal Renegade who forced a brisk :26.3 opening quarter over a 'good' track.
After a half in :55.1, last week's Open winner Royal Renegade tipped first-up and confronted the longshot leader approaching three-quarters in 1:24.1, with favourite Illwinifican tracking his cover and a second-to-last Southwind Jaden following the flow while trailer Iwontdothatagain swept up three-wide.
Sterling Cooper gave way down the stretch with Iwontdothatagain taking a late lead and a pair of rivals weaving through. Illwinifican ducked inside and Southwind Jaden powered home on the far outside to make it a photo finish. Southwind Jaden ultimately pulled off the 13-1 upset collaring Iwontdothatagain at the wire while Illwinifican settled for third. Southwind Jaden stopped the clock in 1:54.1 and returned $29.20 to win.
Owned by Alberta residents Peter Chanak and Dana Shore, Southwind Jaden was a winner two starts ago at Fraser Downs, followed by a third-place finish in the Open last Friday. Tonight's successful outing marked the 15th career win for the five-year-old Bettors Delight gelding, who has earned $87,226.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.