Second-choice Cousin Mary rolled uncovered for the lead and bested 8-5 favourite Westbeach to take the $13,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred 2 Pace at Georgian Downs on Saturday (Aug. 29).
Driver Anthony Haughan landed the eight-year-old in fourth while Westbeach cleared control past a :26.3 first quarter. Saulsbrook Jessie, pocketed into the stretch first time, soon circled back to the lead and took the field by the half in :55.4. Haughan got Cousin Mary underway into the backstretch and ranged to press Saulsbrook Jessie on the point passing three-quarters in 1:23.2 and continued to dig into the pacesetter around the final turn. Once straightening for the finish, Cousin Mary edged past Saulsbrook Jessie and withstood a late rally from Westbeach to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:51.3. Kickin Cowgirl closed from second over for third.
Owned and trained by Jeffrey Williamson, Cousin Mary won her third race from nine starts this season and her 37th from 155 overall, earning $525,468. She paid $5.50 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Georgian Downs.