After failing to reach the winner's circle in 46 attempts last year, eight-year-old pacing mare Justabit Mean pulled off the biggest surprise of the night in the frosty Friday finale at Woodbine Mohawk Park while the Jackpot Hi-5 carryover climbed to nearly to $140,000.
Making her fourth start of the year in Friday's 11th race, Justabit Mean collared the popular pacesetter SOS Bambie and first-over attacker On The Minute Mark at the finish line in 1:58.1 to achieve her 13th career win.
Mike Whelan, who had partnered up with the mare for her last victory at odds of 18-1 on December 9, 2017 at Woodbine Racetrack, was the winning driver.
Sent postward as the second-longest shot the board at odds of 25-1, Justabit Mean rewarded her backers with a $52.80 win payout.
Dale Heard trains the Mach Three daughter, who had eight runner-up finishes during her winless 2018 campaign, for owners Antonio Tangreda and Ronald Stewart.
Manhattan Play and Dazzling Rockette completed the top five finish order resulting in a $1,625.64 return for a 20-cent Hi-5 ticket. With more than one winning ticket with the correct combo of 5-4-6-9-7, the Jackpot climbed to $139.844.72 heading into Saturday night's final race.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.