For the first time in more than a decade, Standardbred racing was conducted at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon, Sk. with the first of 10 race dates over the five-eighths mile oval.
Northfield Nellie was victorious in the featured event of the day, a $3,450 conditioned pace. After leading through fractions of :28.1, :59.1 and 1:31.1, driver Glenn LeDrew asked her for another gear turning for home and she responded with a :28 closer to trip the timer in 1:59.1.
David Mooney of Wawanesa, Man. owns six-year-old Northfield Nellie (Mystery Chase - Big Spender), now a 23-time winner in her career. She was one of two winners sent out on the day by driver LeDrew and trainer Trevor Williams.
Chief Saratoga clocked the fastest mile of the day, a 1:59 wire-to-wire score for owner / trainer / driver Rick Schneider of Sherwood Park, Alta.
Racing returns to Marquis Downs on Sunday (Sept. 12) with a five-dash card and first race post time of 1:00 (CDT).
To view the results from Marquis Downs' Saturday card of harness racing, click the following link: Saturday Results - Marquis Downs.