The trip was different for Kiss Me Im Irish in the top class on Saturday (May 27) at Northside Downs, but the result was the same as last week's.
A field of seven pacers in the $1,600 Winners Over Pace was scratched down to six on Saturday, with rail starter Rockemsockem Scott getting the bulk of the public's attention after a 1:58 qualifying debut at Northside one week ago. The six-year-old was sent right to the top by owner/driver Gerard Kennedy, with the duo employing catch-me-if-you-can tactics in the afternoon feature.
After a :29.3 opener, Rockemsockem Scott faced pressure in the form of Gentry Seelster (Mark Pezzarello) through some solid middle panels of :58.3 and 1:28.1. By this point, second-over Mando Fun (Ryan Campbell) started a three-wide approach with second tier starter and first week Winners Over victor A Better Man (Greg Sparling) looming the danger in the pocket.
Following that three-wide brush of Mando Fun was Kiss Me Im Irish, with driver Adam Lynk angling four-wide around the final turn. All six of the pacers were in contention turning for home, but Kiss Me Im Irish had the most pace late and mowed down her male counterparts to prevail in a 1:59.3 thriller. Mando Fun was a half length back in second while Rockemsockem Scott rounded out the top three.
Ian MacNeil trains and co-owns Kiss Me Im Irish (Big Jim - First Lady Of Art) along with Bernie MacNeil of Miscouche, P.E.I. and Joseph MacNeil of Ingonish, N.S. The six-year-old mare notched her 27th career victory with earnings now at $42,427 lifetime. Despite a win and a second at the North Sydney oval this season, she was let go at nearly 6-1 odds, paying $13.80 to win. Those odds will most definitely be lower in her next appearance.
To view the full results from the Saturday card of harness racing in Cape Breton, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.