Sealedwithapromise went all the way to win the $8,700 Fillies & Mares Open Pace during the second weekend of the 2011 meet at Alberta Downs
, giving driver Brent Grundy a hat trick.
Leaving from post position No. 2 in the Saturday feature, Sealedwithapromise took control of the six-horse field and carved out fractions of :31.2, 1:05.3 and 1:34.4 en route to a 2:04 victory over a ‘good’ track. Last week's winner, Devon Cream (Jamie Gray), journeyed first over to finish second, one and a half lengths behind, while pocket-sitter Bridgette Hanover (Gerry Hudon) was third.
Trainer Keith Clark shares ownership of the five-year-old mare with Laurence Swalm and Verne Rea of Calgary, along with Macpherson Standardbreds of Edmonton, Alta. The victory was Sealedwithapromise’s fourth in seven starts this year and lifted her earnings to over $14,000. The As Promised-Seely Bert mare now boasts a career bankroll of over $144,000.
Post time for Sunday's card has been changed to 12:35 p.m. There will be no pari-mutuel wagering until next weekend.
"Alberta Downs would like to thank all its customers for their patience while we are getting the 2011 meet underway," Raeann Gemmill, race secretary at Alberta Downs, told Trot Insider. "This weekend, again, we are racing with no pari-mutuel wagering. Next weekend, March 26 and 27, we should be fully functional as the toteboard being shipped from Florida is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, March 22.
"Everything else has been operating as usual; the judges, announcer, photo finish, chart caller in the stands, commission veterinarian at her post. Other than the wagering, it has been business as usual. The hard working track crew and horsemen have been doing their best to deal with the uncertain weather that early March usually brings to Alberta."
Alberta Downs will offer live racing on Saturday and Sunday afternoons until September 25.
For results from Saturday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Alberta Downs.