Undefeated Pure Country took her act to the North Country on Friday night but the results were identical to what's been expected from the juvenile daughter of Somebeachsomewhere in the United States. The Jimmy Takter trained filly was powerful in capturing the first of two $20,000 US eliminations for the Breeders Crown harness racing two-year-old filly pace in 1:52 3/5 at Woodbine.
Driven by Brett Miller the homebred from Adam Bowden's Diamond Creek Farm's racing stable got away third as the 1-5 betting choice as Lyons River Pride and Yannick Gingras jetted from the outside to take charge in a :28 1/5 opening quarter. Lyons River Pride kept an honest pace and because of it there was little movement through the second quarter with the half reached in :56 2/5 before anyone began to move.
Darlinonthebeach and driver David Miller were the first to pull at that point and slowly progressed on the rim with Pure Country pulling to provide cover with roughly three-eighths of the mile remaining. The pace and activity got serious as the field reached the three-quarters in 1:24. Brett Miller worked on Pure Country in the early stretch and the filly responded with authority, blowing past the leader and drawing clear to win in handy fashion.
Darlinonthebeach looked to be a serious threat off cover on the final turn but couldn't accelerate with the winner into the stretch. Nevertheless driver David Miller was able to urge the filly on late to get the place spot with early pacesetter Lyons River Pride holding on for the third spot.
Mayhem Seelster and Shezarealdeal picked up the final two qualifying spots and return for the $600,000 October 24 final.
The victory kept Pure Country with a perfect nine wins in nine career starts during her first season at the races.
Sent off as the 1-5 choice Pure Country returned $2.40 to win.
Pure Country
With the elimination winners drawing for posts 1-5, the complete field for the final is as follows:
1 Darlinonthebeach, Dave Miller, Nancy Johansson
2 Shezarealdeal, Marcus Miller, Tony O'Sullivan
3 Pure Country, Brett Miller, Jimmy Takter
4 Lyons River Pride, Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke
5 Yankee Moonshine, Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke
6 Soft Idea, Tim Tetrick, Linda Toscano
7 Blue Moon Stride, Andrew McCarthy, Mark Harder
8 Skinny Dipper, Randy Waples, Tony O'Sullivan
9 Mayhem Seelster, Jack Moiseyev, Tony O'Sullivan
10 Call Me Queen Bee, Scott Zeron, Tony O'Sullivan
USA
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Europe
UK / IRE
