The opening quarter flashed up in :27 seconds and the top pair remained that way with First Notable Chip following in third through an openinghalf in :57 seconds. At that point, Andovers Son made the first move outfrom fourth with John Pauls Legacy following on his back.
Sand Wyndham continued to lead past the third quarter in 1:26.4 with Andovers Son a length back on the outside second and Afternoon Dream ssitting perfectly on the inside third.
As the field turned for home, the first-over trip began to take its tollon Andovers Son who backed away enough to leave a seam for Afternoon Dreams to tip to the outside. In the meantime, John Pauls Legacy rolled three-wide in attempt to chase down the leaders.
The final outcome was in doubt right up until the final stride when Afternoon Dreams stuck her nose in front at the finish in 1:55.1. Sand Wyndham held on bravely for the place spot with John Pauls Legacy finishing third and missing the win by just a head.
Ben Baillargeon does the conditioning of Afternoon Dreams when in Canada. The lion's share of the purse boosted her career earnings tojust over $180,000 for owners Sylvia Burke of Fredericktown and RandyRinger of Washington, Pennsylvania.
It is expected that the mare will now return to Pennsylvania for amuch-deserved rest.
Earlier on Monday's program, veteran trotter Armbro Chronicle captured the $50,000 Open Trot for Mike Saftic in 1:53.1. The effort equaled thenational season's record for trotters but, more importantly, vaulted theseven-year-old gelding over the $1 million mark in career earnings.