Laurie Poulin's homebred roan mare Prairie Magical and catch-driver Frank Affrunti pulled off an 11-1 upset in the $11,644 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace at Vernon Downs on Friday, June 7.
Prairie Magical got away fifth from the inside post as favourite Dudes Sweet Bet (John MacDonald) sped to the quarter in :27.4. Arnies Angel (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) took over the lead heading around the first turn, but Dudes Sweet Bet reclaimed the top spot just before hitting the half in :57. She continued to lead the way to three-quarters in 1:26 with The Moma Dance (Leon Bailey) in pursuit first-over while Prairie Magical rallied three-wide and took over the lead as they reached the stretch en route to a 2-1/2-length victory in 1:54 flat. P L Princess C (Jeff Long) also charged wide from the back of the six-pack to finish second. Unusual Clarity (Ron Harp) was third with Dudes Sweet Bet ending up fourth.
Prairie Magical, a four-year-old mare by Royel Millennium, now boasts back-to-back wins from seven seasonal starts with Friday's winning time just a tick off her lifetime mark taken a week ago. She improved her career record to 8-3-10 from 37 starts and bumped her earnings to $61,542.
John MacDonald drove three winners on the card while Frank Affrunti, Leon Bailey and Michael Miller had driving doubles. Hannah Miller had a training double.
Live harness racing continues at Vernon Downs on Saturday, June 8 with a 13-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)