Lus Illusion ($7.60) may not have been able to catch second-over cover, but she lifted to victory in Wednesday's (Sept. 11) feature at Grand River Raceway, an $8,200 conditioned pace for fillies and mares.
The three-year-old Sweet Lou filly and driver Jason Ryan floated into midfield from post six behind a :29.1 first quarter from Azucar Pipedream (Robert Shepherd) before chasing after the cover of even-money favourite Sunshineinmypocket (Scott Coulter) — who angled out from fourth with five-eighths to go — nearing a backed-off :59.3 half.
Lus Illusion gapped her cover by three lengths up the far side, but ultimately lost it with five-sixteenths to go when Sunshineinmypocket took over a vacated pocket. Despite the gruelling journey, she found her best pace off the home turn and collared Azucar Pipedream by a head in 1:56.4 over good going. Sunshineinmypocket finished third, 3-1/2 lengths back.
Luc Blais trains three-time winner Lus Illusion for owner Determination.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results - Grand River Raceway.