Almost Persuaded got up by a nose to win the $30,822 Carl & Barbara Thompson Memorial Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace in 1:53.4 on Tuesday, April 28 at Harrington Raceway.
Almost Persuaded pushed out to the lead early for Russell Foster, then yielded to Jett Propelled (Jason Thompson) past the quarter in :27. The four-year-old Captaintreacherous-Enhance Your Mind mare rode the pocket through :56 and 1:24.3 middle splits and motored up the passing lane to nab Jett Propelled late for her fourth win of the year in 12 starts. Square Deal (Tony Morgan) completed the ticket.
Owned and trained by Bryan Truitt, Almost Persuaded took her 10th career victory in 27 outings. She paid $12.80 to win.
Joe Columbo added to his lead in the trainers' standings with a triple on the 15-race program. His winners, driven by Mike Cole, were Im Won Last Wiser ($9), Daytona Miss ($10.60) and Under Contract ($5.60), bringing him to 11 local wins on the meet. He has 48 tallies overall on the year in 550 starts.
In the ninth race, Spooky Season ($7) broke her maiden after 51 winless starts with a 1:59.3 wire-to-wire triumph for owner-trainer-driver David Rearic.
Also on the undercard, JMF Racing LLC's Lil Miss Wondrphyl ($12.80, Brandon Givens) was a 1:55.2 winner in the $24,658 Fillies and Mares Open II Pace for trainer Vince Bradley.
Driver Mike Cole had four wins on the card. Defending leading driver Montrell Teague had a triple.
Live racing will continue at Harrington on a Monday-through-Wednesday schedule with post time at 4:30 p.m.
(With files from Harrington Raceway)