Trainer Jim Marino put on an impressive display at Fraser Downs on Thursday, February 15, delivering a remarkable hat trick of wins from races three to five. Every victory was masterfully guided by the skilled driver Scott Knight.
The sequence of triumphs began in race three, where Marino and Knight's partnership led them to victory in a competitive $4,400 claiming pace. With Million Reasons as their steed, Knight charted a strategic path, following closely in the pocket until the halfway mark. Then, with a well-timed move at the three-quarter pole, Knight surged ahead, securing a remarkable half-length triumph in a dazzling time of 1:57.1. This exceptional performance delighted the horse's owners, Jim Marino and Shelley Eng.
Undeterred by their initial success, Marino and Knight returned to the winner's circle in race four, this time with Western Summit. The duo showcased their prowess, orchestrating a thrilling victory by a mere head in the $7,500 distaff-conditioned claiming pace. The aged mare, co-owned by Marino and Paul Sanders, showcased her determination, crossing the finish line in 1:57.
The trifecta of triumphs was completed by Tito Santanna in the $4,400 claiming pace. In a fiercely contested battle, Tito Santanna emerged victorious with a narrow win by a nose, clocking an impressive time of 1:56. Celebrations were in order as Jim Marino celebrated another win as the proud owner of Tito Santanna.
Jim Marino's success in the training rankings last year at Fraser Downs is worth noting, as he secured an impressive second place with 78 wins and earnings of nearly $700,000. This year, Marino has continued his winning streak, racking up seven victories, four second-place finishes, and three third-place finishes from his 18 starts. The evening's races proved particularly fruitful for Marino, as he secured three wins, two second-place finishes, a third-place finish, and a fourth-place finish.
Meanwhile, in the highly anticipated $10,000 featured Fillies and Mares Preferred race, Pirate Booty stole the show with a commanding gate-to-wire victory. Under the astute guidance of Terry Kaufman, Pirate Booty took charge from an outside position, leading the pack through the opening panel in a swift time of :28.1. The pair then skillfully manoeuvred to the inside, maintaining their momentum as they cruised through subsequent panels in :57.3 and 1:25.2. With an exhilarating burst of speed, Pirate Booty dashed across the finish line, securing a commanding 3-1/2 length victory in an impressive time of 1:54.2. Grey Sea, driven by John Abbott, secured the second-place finish, followed by Clinton Warrington's Gin Is Better in third.
Pirate Booty, a six-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous and the Western Ideal mare Honky Tonk Woman, is proudly owned by Terry Kaufman. This victory marked Pirate Booty's 14th career win out of 47 starts, further solidifying her exceptional racing pedigree. With total career earnings amounting to $94,196, Pirate Booty continues to impress both fans and bettors alike. A winning bet on Pirate Booty paid $4.20, leaving spectators thrilled by the mare's outstanding performance.