Sent off as the longest shot on the board in Friday’s featured tilt at Century Mile, Bearcat Josi survived a first-over trip en route to taking home top honours in the featured affair.
Bearcat Josi, let go at odds of 6-1, dropped into an early four-hole position for driver Brandon Campbell while Miss Itunes threw down fractions of :28.2, :58 and 1:26.4. Campbell had his charge first-over on the way to the half while holding down fourth position, but they improved to be second on the outside at the three-quarter pole.
Bearcat Josi then summoned up :28.4 closing speed which helped earn him the win by 1-1/2 lengths over stablemate Jessies Girl in 1:55.3. Third prize in the $9,300 affair went to Chocolate Terror.
Derek Stout of Camrose, Alta. bred, owns and trains the six-year-old daughter of Blue Burner-Barona Josie who won for just the second time this season from 20 trips to the track. The 11-time winner pushed her lifetime earnings past $200,000 with the win.
Trainer Jacques Lambert struck early and often on the 13-race program.
Lambert watched Munchie Chris blow away his first race foes in 1:56.1, and two races later that one’s stablemate – Two To Ten – rallied for a narrow triumph in 1:57.1. Mr Dillion gave his trainer the hat trick thanks to a front-stepping score in 2:00 in Race 11.
The High River, Alta. horseman has racked up 15 wins – a personal best in a single season – so far this year while his earnings climbed over $90,000 thanks to the productive night at the office.
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Century Mile.