Circling to the lead by the quarter, Paperback Thriller remained strong on the point to the finish of the $12,000 featured pace at Fraser Downs on Wednesday (March 31).
Driver Brandon Campbell settled Paperback Thriller into second nearing a :29.3 opening quarter, but soon revved the six-year-old Mystery Chase mare from the pocket to the front passing the stands. The Jim Marino trainee took control before a :58.2 half and continued to roll as the field marched to three-quarters in 1:26.4. She gained some separation around the final turn but grew slightly leg weary as odds-on favourite Cusdmagicdragon came flying for the lead late. Though the finish came just in time, with Paperback Thriller holding firm by three-quarter lengths to win in 1:54.4. Rockin Mystery finished third.
Owned by Raymond Henry, Paperback Thriller won her 20th race from 94 starts, earning $148,168. She paid $11.50 to win.
Trainer Kelly Hoerdt won three races on the card. He steered his trainees Night Stick ($2.40) and Im Too Sexy ($3.10) to victories before later handing the reins of Munchie Chris ($19.00) off to Scott Knight for a come-from-behind score.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Fraser Downs.