Stash The Cookies, Alberta's 2023 Champion Aged Mare, scored her first win of the season in the $25,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace at Century Downs on Friday, May 31.
An eight-time winner last year, Stash The Cookies returned to her winning ways after finishing a closing second in her season's debut a week ago.
Leaving from post seven for early position, Stash The Cookies landed in third for driver Brandon Campbell behind the winners of the last two editions of the Mares Preferred, with Outlaw Sharktastic (Nathan Sobey) on the front and Grey Sea (Tyler Redwood) in the pocket. After a :27.2 opening quarter, Campbell made the winning move as the mares headed into the backstretch and Stash The Cookies took command as they passed the half-mile mark in :56.1. Stash The Cookies proceeded to three-quarters in 1:24.3 and cruised home confidently to score in 1:54.1 with Century Mach (Kelly Hoerdt) rallying wide off cover to finish three-quarters of length behind in second. Outlaw Sharktastic held off the pylon-skimming Grey Sea for third.
Sent off as the 6-5 bettors' choice, Stash The Cookies paid $4.70 to win.
John Chappell trains the eight-year-old Sunfire Blue Chip-Saucy B mare for owner Derek Gilbert of Brandon, Man. Stash The Cookies recorded her 31st career victory and lifted her bankroll to $328,984.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Century Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)