Two exciting upsets at The Raceway at the Western Fair District.
Two thrilling $9,000 distaff-conditioned paces took the spotlight on Tuesday evening at The Raceway at the Western Fair District. The surprise victories in both features added an element of excitement to the card.
In the first co-feature, Laila Blue emerged victorious with an unexpected 11-1 upset. The Douglas Good trainee, driven by Travis Henry, cleverly manoeuvred through a pocket trip, shadowing the favourite Exotic Dragon (piloted by Travis Cullen).
The duo maintained a steady pace through splits of :29.3, :59.2, and 1:27.2 before making their move in the stretch. In a thrilling dash to the finish line, Laila Blue edged out her competition by a head, crossing the line in 1:56.4. The consistent Sports Duchess (driven by Tyler Borth) secured the third spot.
A seven-year-old progeny of Art Major and Bettors Delight mare Delightful Diva, Laila Blue, owned by Douglas Good, secured her first win of the season in nine starts, claiming her 13th career victory out of 130 outings. With a lifetime earnings of $175,890, Laila Blue paid a handsome $24.60 for the win.
In the second co-feature, Mcvera orchestrated a gate-to-wire triumph at 6-1 odds. Brett MacDonald skillfully guided the Taylor Fritz-trained horse to the lead, dictating the pace throughout. Clocking fractions of :27.2, :57.1, and 1:26, Mcvera maintained her position to secure the win by a quarter of a length in 1:56.3. Despite a strong late surge from the favourite, J One Twenty (piloted by Borth), Mcvera held her ground to claim victory. Rose Run Yvette (driven by Jason Ryan) rounded off the top three.
Owned by Robert Woodburn, the four-year-old Mcvera, sired by Mcardle-Designer Dreams, notched her third win of the season from seven starts and her 10th career victory out of 33 races. With the latest win, her career earnings rose to $60,776, offering a return of $14.30 for the win.