Unusual Clarity and trainer/driver Ron Harp slipped by late to capture the featured $6,500 fillies & mares pace at Vernon Downs on Friday, May 12.
The big favourite, Special Olivia (Leon Bailey), went right to the front as Unusual Clarity followed in the pocket through fractions of :28.2, :57.3 and 1:25.3. As they reached the stretch, Unusual Clarity popped out of the pocket and went after Special Oliva. The two mares battled all the way down to the finish with Unusual Clarity getting up to win in 1:54.2 and forcing Special Olivia to settle for second. She paid $12 for the mild upset. Milleniums Girl (Barton Dalious) finished third.
Unusual Clarity is an eight-year-old mare by Betterthancheddar. She now has three wins and a second-place finish from four outings this year for owner Nicholas Gibides.
Truman Gale and Barton Dalious each had driving doubles. The two were involved in a dead heat with Schwarber (Dalious) and With Our Luck (Gale).
Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday with an 11-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)