For the fourth consecutive week, Up Front Kellie Jo was up to the task in the $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace on Thursday in Northfield Park's 10th race. She is trained by Rob Harmon for owners Ed Mullinax and Mark Ford. Josh Sutton has been in the bike for all four of her consecutive victories.
Despite being assigned the outside, Up Front Kellie Jo (Bettor's Delight-Life's Highway-Life Sign) fired off the gate and went to the lead. She stayed well in hand and never experienced an anxious moment, while posting fractions of :27.2, :56.4, 1:24.3 and 1:52.3, just 2/5 of a second off of the track record. She was an uncontested 2 ¼ lengths in front at the wire. Completing the race were Power Everywhere, Y Mach Me, Sweetheart Dance, It Must Be Magic, Special Lady D, Here And Now and Seascape Hanover. Clear Character was scratched.
Thursday's win was the 43rd career victory for Up Front Kellie Jo and increased her lifetime earnings to $846,097. She was the race favorite and returned $3.60 to win.(Northfield Park)
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