Bettors Delight mare Make Mine Mocha moved to the lead early and controlled every step to win the $11,600 Fillies and Mares Preferred 2 Handicap Pace at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Tuesday, April 23.
Driver Brett MacDonald sent the Richard Moreau trainee to the top and opened two-and-a-half lengths on rail-starter Casino Classic cruising to a :28.1 opening quarter. Thrillonthebeach, racing fifth, pulled first over moving to the half, timed in :58.2, and continued to advance through the slow fractions into a 1:27.2 third quarter.
When circling the final turn, Thrillonthebeach lost stride, forcing Ride Away Shark and Barockey to swing around the breaker while Make Mine Mocha faced a late challenge as Casino Classic kicked out of the pocket at the head of the stretch. The five year old stopped the clock in 1:56.4 while holding Casino Classic at bay by a length with Phoos Girl, riding the rail, finishing three lengths behind in third.
Owned by Brad Grant, Make Mine Mocha won her second race from 14 starts this season and her 14th from 82 overall, earning $199,408. She paid $11.50 to win.
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.