Ouellette barnmates battle for season-ending feature

Manhattan Night (Dali) prevailed in an intra-stable clash with fellow Anita Ouellette trainee So Frisky to capture the final Fillies and Mares Preferred 2&3 Handicap Pace of the harness racing meet at The Raceway at Western Fair District.

Manhattan Night left in the middle of a five-wide line and pressed on while parked out for the insistent Scott Young to take the lead as she finished the first quarter in :27.2. Colin Kelly shifted So Frisky first-over from fifth immediately after, and the mare moved into striking range as the field passed the half-mile marker in :57.3.

The Ouellette pupils matched strides down the backstretch and set the 1:26.3 three-quarter time in sync as they duelled into the final turn. With So Frisky still parked, Manhattan Night slipped away on the bend and hit the line in 1:56.1, a half-length clear of So Frisky, who re-rallied from two lengths behind in mid-stretch.

Outlaw Imahotvixen (Travis Cullen) was narrowly denied the place spot despite her late surge. The winner paid out $5.50.

Manhattan Night’s third consecutive victory lifted her earnings to $230,939 and her win total to 27 from 94 outings. Luc Ouellete Inc. of Campbellville owns the six-year-old mare. Manhattan Night and So Frisky are now equal in career wins at 27 and their seasonal tallies, with five apiece.

Tyler Borth secured the driver’s title with two victories on the night for 92 overall. He entered the card one score clear of Travis Henry, who was absent on Tuesday.

Tyler Nostadt harnessed one winner on the evening to increase his meet total to 50. Cassidy Schneider finished second with 30.

The Raceway at Western Fair District is scheduled to resume racing on Sep. 30, 2022.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink