Favorites fall in Three Diamonds splits

A pair of upset victories - the first by Notjustaprettyface and the second by Special Sweetheart - highlighted Friday night’s two $23,000 Three Diamonds eliminations for two-year-old filly pacers at Woodbine Racetrack.

In the opening split, Notjustaprettyface left sharply and ducked into the two hole for driver Jason Brewer behind pacesetting Break The News and Jody Jamieson. The top pair raced that way through soft splits before Notjustaprettyface popped out of the pocket in the stretch to score by a length in 1:53.4.

Break The News held on for second while Hawaiian Drink finished third. Race favourite Twist N Clout did not fire and had to settle for fourth.

It was just the second win of the season for the daughter of Jate Lobell - Whitty Sportslady who returned $34.80 for the win. The winner’s share of the purse increased her purse winnings to just over $153,000 for trainer Merv Chupp who co-owns along with Kelly Chupp of Crete, Illinois.

In the second elimination, Special Sweetheart used similar groundsaving tactics to haul down heavily favoured Ginger And Fred right on the wire in 1:53.4. The daughter of Western Ideal - Ladys Special Girl used a searing :27-second final quarter to record the nose decision. It was another 1-1/2 lengths back to West Of L A who finished third.

It was the third win in eight outings this season for Special Sweetheart who kicked back $39.50 for the win. The Tom Artandi trainee boosted her bankroll to just over $47,000 for the 4 For 3 Stable of Bronxville, New York.

The top five finishers advanced to next Saturday’s $585,000 Three Diamonds Final. Here is a look at the field in post position order:

1. Notjustaprettyface
2. Special Sweetheart
3. It Hurts Me
4. Ginger And Fred
5. Hawaiian Drink
6. Twist N Clout
7. Alison Wonderpan
8. West Of L A
9. Campus Cutie
10. Break The News

(WEG)

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