A set of $7,500 divisions of the Robert Murphy Memorial Breeders Stakes for three-year-old pacing geldings went postward Thursday evening at Fraser Downs, and trainer/driver Bill Davis swept the first leg with Need You So Bad and Makeing The Mark.
Need You So Bad, who was sent off as the 1-9 favourite in his $7,500 division, brushed to the front in the second quarter and never looked back once he assumed the lead. He hit the half in :58.1 before rolling to the three-quarter pole in 1:26. A :29.1 closing quarter was more than enough to earn him the win by 9-1/2 lengths over Whiteliesnpromises in 1:55.1. Third prize was earned by Four Diamonds.
The three-year-old son of American Ideal-Sendingforth, who races for J J J Stables of Aldergrove, British Columbia, won for the third time in nine trips to the track this season. The 11-time winner has stashed away earnings just shy of $65,000.
Makeing The Mark notched a maiden-breaking win in the second division. The three-year-old son of Camystic-Shesaquestionmark, who was making his debut in the Davis barn, was treated to a two-hole trip behind Premium Stock through fractions of :28.4, :59 and 1:27.4 before taking matters into his own hands. The colt powered home in :28.4 to win by a neck over Lisplaced in 1:56.4. Premium Stock, who was the 4-5 favourite, was third.
Sent off at odds of 9-1, Makeing The Mark won for owner/breeder Evert Vandenborn of Langley, British Columbia. He’s banked just over $4,000 to date.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Fraser Downs.