Race-favourite Hottieonthehorizon yielded the lead midrace before surging back to the front late to take the $48,100 ABSS Alberta Princess Final on Saturday, May 25 at Century Downs.
Trainer-driver Kelly Hoerdt took a two-length lead from Summer Fantasy moving to a :28.4 opening quarter but faced pressure when slowing the pace as Rockin Mystery ranged towards the leader from fourth. Rockin Mystery soon cleared command past a :59 half and continued on the lead past a 1:28.3 third quarter while Gin Twist, from seventh, progressed uncovered into third. Into the stretch Rockin Mystery held a two-length lead which pocket-sitter Hottieonthehorizon narrowed nearing the wire before sliding to a half-length 1:58 victory. Gin Twist took third three lengths back while Summer Fantasy held fourth.
A three-year-old filly by Vertical Horizon, Hottieonthehorizon won her fourth race from seven starts this season and her fifth from 15 overall, earning $46,848. Hoerdt co-owns the $4.10 winner with Leslie Godlien and Richard Lancaster.
A year ago, Northfield Nellie was a three-year-old pacing filly without a raceline. Now she's at the head of the class in the fillies and mares pacing ranks at Century Downs after winning her third straight start on Saturday in the $9,000 Fillies & Mares Open.
Driver Phil Giesbrecht was unhurried early with favoured Northfield Nellie, settling her in fifth and second last early as Kays Blessing established a spicy early tempo with a :28 opening quarter and :56.4 half. The pace slowed on the backstretch and Giesbrecht seized the opportunity to take a shot at the leader. With a strong brush, Northfield Nellie was on even footing with the pacesetter shortly after the 1:26.4 third panel and cleared to the top around the final bend. Custard Lite followed Northfield Nellie in the backside move and loomed the danger turning for home but Northfield Nellie would not be denied and held all rivals at bay for the 1:57.1 triumph. Scardy Cat wove through horses late to nose out Custard Lite for runner-up honours.
A claim just over a month ago by Rod Therres of Langley, B.C., Northfield Nellie (Mystery Chase - Big Spender) now sports a solid 8-4-1 summary from 16 seasonal starts with the winner's share of the purse lifting her seasonal earnings to $41,041. Chris Lancaster handles the training.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Century Downs.