Outlaw Fireball didn’t need to leave the pylons to score in the Century Downs Filly and Mare Open Pace on Sunday as the harness racing mare went from sixth to first via the inside path.
Jean Francois Gagne dropped Outlaw Fireball back from the start and positioned the horse in sixth for the first quarter mile in :27.4. Gagne did not need to pull the right line as each horse in front of them left the inside, which allowed Outlaw Fireball to advance to third through the half in :58.1 and three-quarters in 1:25.2.
She remained inside turning for home and surged as the pocket-sitter went outside and the leader drifted off the rail. Outlaw Fireball flew in the final eighth of a mile to take the feature in the final strides in 1:55.1.
Chocolate Terror (Nathan Sobey) was second by a neck passed the earlier leader but was caught by Outlaw Fireball. Mrs Suhwiggins (Michael Hennessey) finished third. The winner returned $21.50.
OUTLAW FIREBALL REPLAY
Outlaw Fireball’s victory was his season’s debut and 22nd lifetime victory in 78 outings. The Blue Burner mare has now earned $455,375 for Gagne, who also trains and co-owns with Peter Van Seggelen of Heritage Point, Carl Warnaar of Kelowna, and Tapron Holdings Ltd. of Heritage Pointe.
Century Downs will return on Tuesday, Jun. 15 with a 10-race card beginning at 2:15 p.m. MDT.
For full race results, click here.
By Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink