River Lass continued her dominance over the Open mares at Alberta Downs, posting her fifth consecutive victory in the $8,500 top class on Sunday afternoon.
With trainer and co-owner Kelly Hoerdt in the sulky, River Lass was handicapped to the outside post five, but circled the field to win by a length and a quarter in 1:55.1. Minettas Nightstar (Keith Clark) was the runner-up and Itza Free For All (Bill Tainsh Jr.) finished third. Doober Hoozzitz (John Chappell) was fourth after leading the was through fractions of :28.1, :58.3 and 1:28. Wrangler Raine (Jim Marino) rounded out the field nearly seven lengths behind.
River Lass paid $2.60 to win as the heavy favourite. The As Promised-Brass Buttons mare, who is now nine-for-14 in her five-year-old year with $43,770 banked, is owned by Hoerdt and Blair Corbeil, both of Beaumont, Alta. The victory was River Lass' 25th lifetime and bumped her bankroll to $292,446.
Lance Ward teamed up with driver Jim Marino to score a training triple during the 10-race Canada Day card with favourites Canaco Nolton, Outlaw Beacon, and Mr Mozzart.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Alberta Downs.