by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — Brushstrokes, a daughter of Real Artist, will look to put her best foot forward when she lines up behind the gate in the second C$18,000 leg of the Girls Night Out Pacing Series on Friday (Aug. 2) at Mohawk.

Anthony Haughan and his partner, Meg Crone, condition the pacing mare who has has four wins this season.

Following a disappointing eighth-place finish in the opening leg of the series, Brushstrokes will look for a rebound effort.

New Image Media photo

Brushstrokes has banked $213,510 in her career.

“She hasn’t been racing at her best lately,” Haughan said. “She’s been sick and off her game. We’re doing everything we can to have her sharp for Friday. Hopefully her luck will turn around.”

The pacing miss, who has banked $213,510 in her career, will begin from post three in the second of two divisions.

“She’s such an easy mare to drive,” said the Cambridge resident. “She’s very versatile and has a terrific closing kick. When she won three starts ago in (1:51.3) I thought she’d be a nice fit for this series.”

Crone and Haughan purchased the 21-time winner privately from previous conditioner Tony Montini last fall.

“We watched her race quite a bit and liked what we saw. She’s a nice, big, strong mare and has some pedigree. That also attracted us to her,” said Haughan.

The pacing miss has been a picture of consistency over the past couple of seasons. Last year the 6-year-old raced 39 times and has already added another 22 trips behind the starting gate this season.

“That’s the best thing about her, you know what you’re getting,” said Haughan, a native of Ireland. “She’s a sound mare that can race anywhere. That makes our job that much easier.”

The Girls Night Out Pacing Series is for older pacing mares, who were non-winners of C$30,000 in 2013 as of June 30, 2013. Winners over C$100,000 in 2012 were not eligible.

James MacDonald is listed to drive.

The C$40,000 (est.) final on takes place on Friday (Aug. 9).

The field will line up as follows:

Race 6
1. Back Yard Baby
2. Insincerity
3. Mia Seelster
4. Misty Moonstone
5. Cams Van Go
6. Hat Trick Honey
7. St Lads Peeper
8. Jonsie Jones
9. Lady Latte
10. Trama Unit

Race 8
1. Boat House Row
2. Smashbox
3. Brushstrokes
4. Shadys M Three
5. Smartygirl
6. Cndiana Jones
7. Outer Drive Girl
8. Precious Cammill
9. Cards That Count
10. Lets Go Get Em
11. Ferrari Sena