Ontario-bred Classic Sakuri captured the $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace on Saturday (Feb. 1) in Northfield Park’s eighth race.
She was one of two victories on the night for her trainer, Barry Langley. Josh Sutton drove the eight-year-old pacer for owners Lora Markley and Kiesha Malloy.
Classic Sakuri (Astreos-Spider Cam-Camluck) started from post five on a sloppy surface and was the benefactor of an early speed duel. She was sat mid-pack through initial fractions of :27.3 and :57. Sutton swept Classic Sakuri to the front in the third quarter and she never looked back. Classic Sakuri maintained a two and a half length margin of victory and paced final fractions of 1:26.1 and 1:56.2.
Completing the race were Canaco Star, Crazy Luv Bug, Eradikate, Sand Song, Hugs Again, Save My Dragon and Shes Glorious.
Saturday’s victory was Classic Sakuri’s 25th career success and increased her bankroll to $130,971. She returned $8.40 to win.
The Saturday feature was one of five wins on the night for Sutton, who leads the initial Northfield Park 2014 driving standings. Sutton’s other winners of the night included Alhambra Bokay ($5) in race three, Joes Miss Daisy ($3.60) in race four, African Violet ($7) in race six and Petite Courageuse ($4.20) in race nine.
Sutton, 31, began driving in 2000 and has since garnered 2,229 career victories and is approaching $13 million in purse earnings.
(With files from Northfield Park)