Trainer/driver Paul MacLean worked out a perfect pocket trip aboard sophomore filly Ideal Odds to win the $18,700 final of the Late Bloomer Pacing Series on Sunday at Sudbury Downs.
Stablemate Vijay Scam set the tempo with fractions of :29.3, 1:00.1 and 1:30 over the sloppy surface with the field stacking up into the stretch. But Ideal Odds came through to prevail in 2:02, scoring by three-quarters of a length over Hot N Shooting. Vijay Scam edged out Ok Eros and Fools Run Around for third one length behind.
With a win in the opening leg of the series on Sept. 15 and a second-place finish by a nose in the Sept. 22 round, Ideal Odds was sent postward as the second choice on the odds board and returned $5.70 to win.
After going winless in four starts as a freshman, she has only missed the board once in 14 starts this year. The Western Ideal filly has won six times while pushing his bankroll to $30,270 for owner B. Michael Timpano of Phelpston, Ont.
Maclean also drove Mellow Jenny ($13.90) to a 2:02 victory in the $4,500 Fillies & Mares Preferred 2 Pace by a quarter-length over Carly Hollywood for trainer Philippe Belanger. Another Belanger trainee, Stable Eyes ($3.80), won the $4,200 Not Listed Preferred in rein to Mike MacNeill. She prevailed in 2:01.3 by half a length over No Teasing Me and MacLean.
Sophomore gelding Mr Why ($8.70) and Wayne MacLean won the $7,500 Late Bloomer Consolation in 2:02.2 by two and three-quarter lengths.
The Late Bloomer Series was for non-winners of one race or $15,000 (fillies and mares $18,750) lifetime as of Sept. 2, 2013.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Sudbury Downs.