Even-money favourite Feelin Flush pulled off the victory in the $8,400 Fillies & Mares Open Pace on Saturday afternoon at Alberta Downs as she edged out pacesetter Blue Star Beauty in the final strides.
Firing from the outside post seven, Blue Star Beauty and driver Keith Clark were out to a quick two length lead before the first turn over insiders Crackers Hot Shot and Bill Tainsh Jr. They carved out panels of :29, :58.1 and 1:26.1, but Feelin Flush came charging home off a three-hole trip to prevail in 1:54.1. Crackers Hot Shot finished over six lengths behind in third.
"I just snuck up the rail there and I tipped her three-quarters of the way down the lane and that's the kind of trip she likes," said winning trainer and driver Travis Cullen, who also co-owns the six-year-old As Promised mare with Ken Hanson of Strathclair, MB. "I've been getting caught first up week after week and she's raced really hard for me. I've had her now almost two years and she's raced her guts out start after start."
The claimer-turned-Open pacer had 26 top three finishes in 35 starts last year, including 12 wins, to earn $67,394 in purses. This year she has seven wins in 17 races while adding $42,400 to her bankroll.
Feelin Flush's 1:54.1 winning time today matched her season's best mile that she set in her last Open victory on June 28.
Feelin Flush paid $4.10 to win.
Kelly Hoerdt had a training/driving triple on the 11-race card. Brandon Campbell drove three winners while Cullen and Jamie Gray had doubles.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Alberta Downs.