Western Stepp, steered by Drew Campbell, sat tight in the mile before shaking loose late to head her competitors in a three-horse photo and win the featured $14,000 Fillies and Mares Winners-Over pace at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, May 8.
Iced Out cut the mile from the start but was quickly greeted by a strong outer flow at the half with Dandy’s Beauty, Stylish Beachwear and Ask Queenie all on the move as they passed that station in :56.1. Western Stepp sat on the pylons behind the leader and watched the action while well covered.
The outside contenders continued to press up the backstretch, around the last turn and to the top of the lane, but Iced Out was relentless. Western Stepp found room mid-stretch when Campbell pulled out around Iced Out and outpaced that one to the wire to win by a head in 1:53.2.
It was the third win in nine 2018 starts for Western Stepp who is owned and trained by James Dunn. She paid $18.20 to win.
In the co-featured $12,000 conditioned pacing event, Deo Galileo ($4.60) got away third before pulling first-over past the half, taking the lead in the stretch and eventually winning by two lengths in 1:53.4. Campbell also drove this winner, in a lifetime-best effort, for owner/trainer Milt Vickerson.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Thursday, May 10 with first post at 4 p.m.
(With files from Plainridge Racecourse)