For the second time during this fledgling season, Lauren Harmon beat the boys when she reined her Emerald Chip to a 1:57 victory in the $7,500 GLADA Trot Sunday night (April 10) at Northfield Park.
When the starter turned the field loose, Don Sherman sent Impressive Chief to the lead, and they led the field by the first quarter in :27.3. At that point, Emerald Chip was third along the pylons. But when the leaders headed for the half, Harmon moved her trotter off the pegs as the trailers began moving up. But that move didn't deter the betting favourite, Back Door Man, as driver Floyd Rhodes wheeled him three-deep after coming from sixth position, and they rallied alongside Emerald Chip when they passed three-quarters.
The two trotters were then head-to-head as they trotted into the homestretch. In the lane, Emerald Chip trotted clear and Harmon had a length lead that she held all the way to the wire. Back Door Man held on for second as Crime Fighter rallied to finish third and Impressive Chief faded and finished fourth.
Sent the third choice in the seven-horse field, Emerald Chip paid $9.00 for the win. He is a nine-year-old son of Chip Chip Hooray and is owned, trained and driven by Lauren Harmon.
(GLADA)