The favourites tasted defeat in the set off OSS Gold Series divisions for three-year-old pacing fillies Monday evening at Mohawk Racetrack, with Skippin By and My Secret Belle finding themselves in the role of spoiler in their respective assignments.
Skippin By pulled off a 10-1 upset in the opening division in what was her debut for trainer Corey Johnson. Randy Waples rallied the daughter of Shadow Play-Southern Magnolia to the win in a career-best clocking of 1:51.
A Filly Affair shot to the top and hustled the field to the quarter pole in :26.2 before being overtaken in the backstretch by the heavily favoured Lady Shadow. That filly sped the field through middle panels of :54.4 and 1:22.4. Skippin By made a first-over move going into the final turn, and she eventually wore down Lady Shadow en route to the impressive victory. Lady Shadow held on for second, while third prize went to Sectionline Aqua.
Ohio partners Wall Bros Stable of Marion and Bruce Soulsby of Powell share ownership on the seven-time winner who pushed her lifetime earnings to $126,948.
My Secret Belle, who was sent off as the second choice in the wagering, hauled down race favourite Brookdale Shadow in the closing strides to win the second division in 1:52.
Brookdale Shadow marched to the lead while My Secret Belle shadowed her from the pocket spot through fractions of :27.2, :56 and 1:24.2. Both fillies sprinted down the lane, with My Secret Belle winning the battle by 1-1/2 lengths. Brookdale Shadow was second best with Porsche Seelster rallying to grab third prize.
After going winless in two tries as a rookie, My Secret Belle is now 6-for-19 this season for owner/breeder/trainer/driver Joe Hudon of Acton, Ontario. The daughter of Mach Three-Kindly Jenna pushed her cash stash to $163,909 with the win.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.