Two fields of six four-year-old pacing mares went to the gate on Sunday (Aug. 13) evening in the Elizabeth Johnson Memorial Pace eliminations, vying for the $5,300 purse and a chance at an entry to the final.
In the first split, Cenalta Flash and Nathan Sobey rode the pocket trip behind pacesetter Cozey Up (Michael Hennessy) as she handed out panels in :28.2, :58.2 and 1:27.2. Down the lane, the Kelly Ducharme trainee sought a challenge with the leader, prevailing by a quarter length in 1:55.3. Lets Go To Vegas (Logan Gillis) took the show spot.
Gordon & Helen Empey co-own the career winner of four races with Myrna Empey as she posted a career best time. Cenalta Flash paid $34.90 to win.
The Final Rose used a similar tactic as Cenalta Flash to win her division with Sobey in the bike for trainer David Lamont.
Rison Star (Tyson Jacoby) was the pacesetter for the mile as she clicked out fractions in :28.1 and :57.2. The Final Rose followed at Jacoby's helmet. A first-over Katie Lou (Hennessy) sent The Final Rose back into third at the three-quarters in 1:25.3, but she pressed on with a last quarter in :28.2 to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.2. Katie Lou took second and Rison Star finished third.
Lamont, Donna Wyse and Glen Henderson co-own the career winner of nine races as she earned her own new lifetime mark. The Final Rose paid $5.60 to win.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - The Track On 2.