Driver Brandon Campbell worked out a perfect pocket trip aboard Neal Diamonique to capture this week's $8,500 Open Pace at Alberta Downs on Saturday afternoon.
Campbell sent the Lance Ward trainee to the lead from post four, but gave way to outsiders Timberline Court and Gerry Hudon during the speedy :26.4 opening quarter. Timberline Court took a second quarter breather to the half in :55.4 before coming under attack from the pocket-pulling Neal Diamonique as they raced by the next marker in 1:24.2. Neal Diamonique took over command as the field entered the stretch and opened up two lengths on his foes to give himself the advantage over the late-closers Trust The Artist (Kelly Hoerdt) and Smart Shark (Connie Kolthammer). Neal Diamonique held on by three-quarters of a length to win in a season's best 1:53.3.
The seven-year-old son of Real Desire notched his third win of the season and 30th lifetime while pushing his bankroll to $410,781 for owners Edward Dhoedt of Edmonton and Ernest Greenwood of St. Albert, Alta.
Neal Diamonique paid $15 to upset favourite Trust The Artist.
The win started a natural hat trick for Campbell, who closed out the card with victories aboard Brad Gunn Stakes champion No Fear for trainer Sanford Campbell and Touch Of Magic for Glenn Lutz.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Alberta Downs.