Poor weather and an off track are often the two biggest factors when it comes to producing upsets at any racetrack, and that certainly was the case during Friday evening’s program at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
A trio of double-digit upsetters prevailed during the 10-race program, and that had longshot players licking their lips on the way to the betting windows to cash their tickets.
Eataams Payday produced the biggest shocker of the night thanks to her gate-to-wire score in Race 2 for driver Garrett Rooney and trainer Jeffrey Williamson. The daughter of Big Jim, who was sent off at odds of 36-1 kicked back a healthy return of $74.60 for each $2 win ticket.
Striking Nikee, who went winless in her first 82 starts, ended the drought with a win in the next race for trainer/driver Jeffrey O’Brien. The six-year-old daughter of Striking Sahbra turned a two-hole trip into an 11-1 upset. She returned $24.50 to her backers.
And not to be outdone just one race later, State Of Play pulled off the 10-1 surprise with her come-from-behind triumph for the tandem of driver Carl Dawson and trainer Anthony Beaton. The daughter of Shadow Play, who was parked every step of the mile – and three-wide for a good portion of the mile, overcame the tough trip to post the win. She paid $22.80 to win.
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.