Shenandoah Downs enter its fourth weekend of the spring harness meet in Woodstock with a pair of 12-race cards scheduled both Saturday and Sunday (April 27 & 28) at 1:05 p.m. A four-pack of $34,246 Virginia-Certified events in the track's Mountain Racing Series for four- & five-year-olds -- carded as Races 1, 2, 11 & 12 -- will highlight action Saturday.
Pam Wagner's KJ Todd dominated by 10 lengths in last week's $8,219 Alleghany Trot Prep for horses and geldings with Fern Paquet Jr. in the bike. The four-year-old Trixton gelding had a clear path to victory after betting choice Big Daddy D went off stride at the start and again in the final turn. Wagner's trotter was fifth at the half but powered home in the final circuit to score a 10-length triumph in 1:57.3 that included a :28 4 closing quarter. The John Wagner trainee brings a bankroll of $95,294 into Saturday's final. KJ Todd leaves from outside post six in Saturday's kickoff race with Paquet back on board.
Charles Myers' Hillbillyclassygirl passed front-stepper Brendas Delight in the stretch to capture the Blue Ridge Pacing Prep for mares last week in 1:57. The four-year-old daughter of Racing Hill was best in a field of six and was piloted by 21-year-old Christian Myers. Kenneth Weckstein and Gary Messenger's Brendas Delight held on for second, 1-3/4 lengths off the pace. The pair will depart from posts three and five, respectively, in Saturday's second race.
James Brown's Ellens Wish took advantage of a pocket trip through the third fraction in last week's Alleghany Trot Prep for mares, went outside in the final turn and cruised home to a 3-1/2-length win in 2:04. Trainer Betsy Brown directed the five-year-old Charlie De Vie mare to her ninth lifetime victory. Elwood Tignor and Deborah Mulligan's Roadgracemissellie took second with William Carter in the sulky. The pair are respective first and third early favourites Saturday and will leave from posts five and three.
The final Virginia-Certified race is the $25,000 Blue Ridge Pace for horses and geldings which will close out the afternoon program. Scott Woogen is either owner or part owner of three of the five entrants. His trio finished 1-2-3 in last week's prep -- KJ Hunter, KJ Unreal and KJ Hunting -- and are top morning line choices in that order. Fern Paquet Jr., Corey Braden and Archie Buford will pilot, respectively. KJ Hunter is a Gary Messenger trainee that crossed in 1:54.1 last out.
The Woodstock oval continues its spring meet through May 19 on a Saturday/Sunday basis. Free Trackmaster programs are available at shenandoahdowns.com.
(Shenandoah Downs)