Neal Diamonique converted a pocket trip into his first victory of the season in the featured $8,500 Open Pace on Saturday afternoon at Alberta Downs.
Leaving from the rail with Jim Marino in the sulky, the seven-year-old son of Real Desire settled for a two-hole trip behind Bachelor Pad and driver Bobby Clark, who fired off the gate from post six and carved out fractions of :28.4, :59.1, and 1:27.
As the field of seven approached the third quarter station, Neal Diamonique was flushed out of the pocket with the Gerry Hudon-driven Timberline Court advancing from the backfield. Neal Diamonique battled head-to-head with Bachelor Pad down the stretch and eventually wore him down to win by over three lengths in 1:54.4. Bachelor Pad stayed for second while Timberline Court edged out Flak Jacket, driven by Jamie Gray, in a photo for show.
Neal Diamonique paid $8.90 to win for the first time this year in 16 tries. He notched his 28th career victory and pushed his bankroll to $396,671 for trainer Lance Ward and Alberta owners Edward Dhoedt of Edmonton and Ernest Greenwood of St. Albert.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Alberta Downs.