The All Bets Off filly Yoda Queen posted the faster win of the two $8,800 second-preliminary divisions for the Prospect Series for three-year-old pacing fillies at Hiawatha Horse Park on Saturday (July 1).
Leaving from post five, driver Andy Moore sent Yoda Queen for the top and faced little challenge through a clip of :27.3, :57.4 and 1:25.4. Chocolateforlunch gave chase from the pocket while slight 2-1 favourite Watch Her Dewitt attempted to make gains on cover from sixth. But Yoda Queen coasted through the lane a three-length winner in 1:54.3 with Chocolateforlunch second. Nadia Seelster sustained a first-over push to take third with Cheddar Rose elevated to fourth due to the lapped-on break at the finish by Watch Her Dewitt, who was placed fifth.
Jamie Doig owns and trains Yoda Queen, a three-time winner from 17 starts and an earner of $34,946. She paid $6.10 to win.
Gimmie A Corona survived a prolonged first-over grind through the mile to snag victory in the other Prospect Series division. Driver Anthony Haughan floated the 2-1 favourite forward but got caught wide from fourth as Mighty Mary led to a :27.2 first quarter, though pocket-sitter Two Across Marion quickly circled to grab the lead. As action settled to a :57.2 half, Gimmie A Corona restarted an advance along the rim and seized the lead passing three-quarters in 1:26.1. Gimmie A Corona remained wide through the final turn, but straightened for the finish and held three-quarter lengths on Maple in second and Brynley Seelster in third. The time of the mile was 1:55.4.
Meg Crone conditions Gimmie A Corona, a daughter of Control The Moment, for owner Laverne Turnbull. She won her eighth race from 20 starts and has now earned $49,739. She paid $6.70 to win.
A $5,000 Preferred 3 Trot went later on the card and saw Monteverdi stay flat and trot forward from last to claim a neck win in 1:59.4. Sent off as the 2-1 favourite, driver Natasha Day sat with Monteverdi while Pacific Roll led through a clip of :28.1, 1:00.3 and 1:29.3. Pacific Roll jumped stride through the final turn as Day activated Monteverdi from sixth and she swooped the field through the lane to put a neck up on R J Hooker in second. Essential Worker and Spun From Magic rode the pylons and finished third in a dead-heat.
Jeff Graham trains Monteverdi for owner Karry Howard. The nine-year-old gelding by Cantab Hall won his 23rd race from 205 starts and has now earned $272,728. He paid $6 to win.
To view Saturday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results – Hiawatha Horse Park.