Yet another nine-race harness card is set to take place at Fraser Downs on Thursday night (Mar. 28). Today, the focus will be on trainer Jim Marino.
Marino has already notched up 20 wins this year and has earned over £122,000 in prize money. His career peaked with 99 wins in 2022, followed by 78 wins last year. The card features nine entries trained by Marino.
One of Marino's fillies, Senorita Draco (Custard The Dragon), is aiming for her maiden victory. Despite her competitive outings in the BC Bred Stakes for two-year-olds last year, she couldn't secure a higher position than second. This week, she draws the rail after a period of rest.
"I have a strong fondness for this filly," Marino remarked. "I've encountered some challenges with my three-year-olds falling ill. She performed admirably in her last race, finishing second, but unfortunately, she developed a fever afterwards. She's fully recovered now, but I'm uncertain about what to anticipate from her."
Marino also has two colts competing for their inaugural victory. Phone Nine One One (Custard The Dragon) and Betterthanluck (Betterthancheddar) are set to compete in the third race. Phone Nine One One secured second place on four occasions last year, while Betterthanluck has only managed to finish as high as third once in eight career starts.
"Betterthanluck is still in the learning phase of racing," Marino explained. "He's assured to perform better as a three-year-old than he did as a two-year-old. On the other hand, Phone Nine One One is from the mare Phone Terror, who earned just over half a million. He's displayed considerable speed and has frequently been the runner-up to top colts in this field. Being sired by Custard The Dragon, known for improving with age, Phone Nine One One has the potential to become a standout stake colt this year."
One of Marino's prominent mares, Hotpieceoface (Big Jim), narrowly missed victory in last week's Filly & Mare Open. Leading for the majority of the race, she was overtaken late by Hang On Sloopy, who clinched the win at 8-1 odds.
The two contenders, Hang On Sloopy and Hotpieceoface, are set to compete again, with morning line odds placing Hang On Sloopy surprisingly at 12-1 and Hotpieceoface at 9-2. The morning line favourite, Grey Sea, was sidelined due to illness last week but is expected to present a formidable challenge if she returns to top form.
"I've had Hotpieceoface for a considerable time, and she's not typically a contender in the Open class. However, her exceptional gate speed has often allowed her to dictate the pace at the front. Considering the calibre of mares in the Open class, I'm uncertain if she can secure a victory in the Filly & Mares Open. Perhaps if I can place her in a lower class, she'll return to her winning form."
Our Selections
Race 1
I'm A fireball (2) has a more favourable starting position this time and will aim to take advantage. Her sole career victory came from an inside post.
Surprise My Shadow (3) intends to contend for the early lead. With demonstrated late speed, she stands a good chance of securing a victory.
Outlaw Cowgirl Up (7) achieved a time of 2:00.2 in the qualifying mile, making a similar performance possible for a win. However, the post position could be a disadvantage.
Race 2
Senorita Draco (1) has displayed promise with the rail and has a good opportunity to secure her first career victory. Having paced under 2:00 before, she will need a similar performance to triumph.
Got Sugar (4) finished second in her Fraser Downs debut, clocking in at 1:57.2, which is a few seconds faster than most of the field. The battle between the favourites will likely unfold down the stretch.
Dali Dancer (7) is coming off a performance of 2:02.2, resulting in her first win. With faster times displayed previously, she should be in contention.
Race 3
Phone Nine One One (8) achieved sub-1:57 miles late last year in the BC Bred Series. Anything similar to that performance is likely to be sufficient for a victory.
Outlaw Tuff Enough (6) has one win in three career starts, pacing the winning mile in 1:59.1 but demonstrating the potential for faster times.
Its Time Iceman (3) has the highest number of starts this year and has already secured top-three finishes.
Race 4
Vintage Lass (1) remains undefeated this year with a perfect two-for-two record. Her winning times of 1:57.1 and 1:57 are the fastest in the field.
Martini Please (6) also has two wins this year but achieved them in five starts. While her lifetime mark is 1:59.1, she has paced faster.
Kahala Storm (4) hasn't achieved top results recently, but her times remain competitive with the favourites.
Race 5
Catchmegracefully (2) is coming off a victory in 1:57 but was scratched last week due to illness.
Positively Special (1), listed at 4-1 morning line odds, has demonstrated the ability to perform well after taking the early lead. Drawing post one should greatly assist her.
Outlawelectricblue (6) had a strong start to the new year but has since cooled off. With two wins this year and the fastest mile recorded at 1:57.1, she could secure a victory if an opportunity arises.
Race 6
Kootenay Cocoa (1) maintains a perfect eight-for-eight record in her career, with a lifetime mark of 1:55.1. In her one start this year, she paced in 1:56.1.
B On The Hunt (5) has one win in two starts this year, posting a time of 1:56. Her speed could lead her to victory, although she faces stiff competition from a talented young filly.
Crown Princess (4) typically competes well but hasn't shown the same late speed recently. However, if the favourites underperform, she could pose a threat.
Race 7
Diva Amour (3) has won five consecutive races since returning to Fraser Downs, achieving victories from various post positions. Her preferred strategy is to take the lead and maintain it throughout the race.
Rollin Withholly (7) has secured three consecutive wins, and her times are slightly faster. However, her post position will make it challenging to take the early lead, which she also prefers.
Forever Furely (2) finished in a dead heat with Rollin With Holly in early March and has proven her ability to keep up with the best.
Race 8
Grey Sea (4) is the morning line favourite but has yet to secure a victory this year. She came close before being scratched due to illness last week.
Hotpieceoface (6) delivered an excellent performance in the Filly & Mare Open last week, finishing second by a head. She has only one win this year but has finished second on four different occasions.
In High Cotton (2) has often been burdened with outside posts but has managed to perform well regardless. With an inside draw this time, she could force the outside competition to face a tough challenge early on.
Race 9
Beach Myst (6) is the only horse in the field to have recently recorded a sub-1:56 mile. She has already achieved three wins this year.
Jet Juice (5) has shown a preference for the front if given the opportunity. It may be challenging from post five, but drawing inside the other favourites could work to his advantage.
Million Reasons (8) gets the rail position but will be starting from the second tier. She typically prefers the front, but it might be difficult to secure an early position. However, she is also capable of winning from the pocket.