Alberta Downs dedicated its Sunday program to some fine pacing fillies, as three-year-olds did battle in the $45,000 Bev Sears Classic Sales Stake and two-year-olds went toe-to-toe in a set of $22,500 Northern Lights Sales Stakes
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River Lass extended her winning streak to four-in-a-row for trainer/driver Kelly Hoerdt in the Bev Sears Classic Sales Stake, but she didn’t win by much. The margin of victory was a neck for the daughter of As Promised-Brass Buttons who picked off her pacesetting stablemate, Nakednakednaked, right on the money in a time of 1:54.4. Wrangler Raine was a well-beaten third.
Sent off as one-fourth of a heavily favoured wagering entry, River Lass improved her 2010 record to 10-4-1 in 18 starts. After salting away a mere $4,798 in her rookie season, the pacer has now banked in excess of $134,000 this season for Hoerdt and partner Blair Corbeil of Beaumont, AB.
Clintons Keepsake took the first division of the Northern Lights Sales Stake in a career-best clocking of 1:57.4 for trainer/driver Keith Clark, who co-owns the freshman with Allan Neurauter and Kenneth Newton. The daughter of Clintons Cigar-Western Rustler was forced to come first-over, but it didn’t hurt her one bit. In fact, she drew clear to win by 4-1/2 lengths over stablemate Minettas Nightstar. Red Star Camisole rallied from out of the clouds to grab the show dough.
The homebred, who has faced the gate five times, now owns a 2-1-0 record and a bankroll in excess of $15,000.
Silver Buckle notched the first win of her career in the other division for trainer/driver Rod Hennessy. The Brandons Cowboy-Compatriot miss, who was sent off at 5-1 in the wagering, sat a pocket trip behind Im Sheila before hauling down that front-stepping foe in the final strides. Silver Buckle came out a head the best over race favourite Im Sheila, with The Missing Sock rounding out the top three.
Hennessy, who co-owns the youngster with Lorne Duffield of Edmonton, AB, watched her bump her earnings to $18,627 with the win. The victory gives her a 1-2-1 record in her first four starts.
To view Sunday’s results, click here.