Seven-year-old pacing mare Vines To Heaven, who has been a winning machine in 2022, conquered new ground on Friday (June 3), winning at Truro Raceway with Todd Trites in the sulky.
Trained by George Rennison, Vines To Heaven earned her first Truro triumph with a 5-1/2 length romp in the top class, Friday's featured $2,500 Winners Over Pace.
The winner's stablemate, Dont Ask Logan (Ryder Rennison), set out for the early lead leaving alongside Big Engine (Evan Wilson) but was left parked out after a :27.4 first quarter tussle. As Dont Ask Logan backed into the two-hole, he caused interference to Havarti (Paul Langille) in behind and that ultimately cost him the runner-up honours when a judges' inquiry was launched at the completion of the race.
Meanwhile, Vines To Heaven got away fifth from the outside post six and began to advance first-up at the :58 half-mile mark. She engaged the leading Big Engine down the backstretch past three-quarters in 1:27.4 before drawing clear into the final turn and widening her lead down the stretch for the 1:56.4 victory. Dont Ask Logan got up to finish second over Big Engine, but was placed fourth behind Havarti for the interference violation. Big Engine was elevated to second, with Havarti inheriting third prize.
The winner is owned by Aiden Ferrish of Summerside, P.E.I., Ian MacDonald and Clarissa Maher of Lower Sackville, N.S., and Andrea Rennison of Truro, N.S.
After a top three finish in her Truro Raceway debut a week ago, Vines To Heaven was sent postward as the 4-5 favourite and paid $3.90 to win. The Rock N Roll Heaven-Miss Old Vines mare, who put together a six-race streak when competing in Ontario earlier this year, now boasts nine victories from 14 starts in 2022.
A 27-time career winner with more than $217,000 in the bank, Vines To Heaven earned her past victories in Ontario for various trainers and now adds Truro Raceway to the list of tracks she's conquered that includes Woodbine Racetrack, Woodbine Mohawk Park, Georgian Downs, Grand River Raceway and Rideau Carleton Raceway.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Truro Raceway.