Sophomore pacing fillies were in the spotlight on Friday evening (December 8) at Woodbine Racetrack for the start of the Niagara Series.
A group of 18 three-year-old pacing fillies were split into two $17,000 divisions for the first leg of the three-week event. The series wraps up on Boxing Day with an added-money final.
Jazzy Image seized the lead after the opening quarter and never looked back to win the first division in a career-best 1:53.1.
Doug McNair steered the Aaron Lambert trainee to her second consecutive victory. The daughter of Rockin Image is now two-for-two for new owner Trent Stohler Stable Inc.
Jazzy Image paced home in :28 to win by half a length over Cloud Diva, while Party Beach finished a pair of lengths back in third.
Friday’s victory was the fourth in 30 starts this season for Jazzy Image and her fifth overall. She has now earned $46,085 this season to bring her career earnings north of $52,000.
The Lambert trainee paid $8.30 to win.
McNair returned to the winner’s circle in the second division with race favourite Teachers Vet.
The Richard Moreau trainee was put on the front, fought off a rival at the half and went on to win in 1:54.
A daughter of Yankee Cruiser, Teachers Vet was recently purchased at the Harrisburg Mixed Sale for $55,000 by Woodbine's leading owner Brad Grant. The sophomore pacing filly is now two-for-two for her new connections.
Nasty Rumor finished second by half a length, while Mach The Cut edged Manhattan Again for third.
Teachers Vet, who is in her first season on the track, now has six wins in 21 starts and earnings of $75,180.
She paid $3.80 to win.
Sophomore pacing fillies, who were non-winners of $60,000 lifetime as of October 31, were eligible for nomination to the Niagara. The second leg will take place next Friday (December 15).
This week's $30,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace was won by millionairess L A Delight, who defeated Witch Dali by two lengths in 1:51.4 with Trevor Henry aboard for trainer and co-owner Bob McIntosh.
Winter Series action continues Saturday night at Woodbine with the opening round of the Valedictory for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings. Post time is 7:30 p.m.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.
(With files from WEG)