Whatamach cruised to a wire-to-wire victory in the fastest of two $4,000 Virginia-bred two-year-old colt and gelding elimination pacing events Wednesday night at Colonial Downs

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Freshmen standardbreds, both pacers and trotters of both sexes competed for a chance to return November 7 on the track’s annual “Day of Champions” card. The male pacing division was the only category that required eliminations---the other three were merely prep races.

Whatamach earned his first life victory for trainer Francis Raia II in 1:55.2. Betting choice Hambone Snooky was parked out the entire race and finished third, while Tidewater Buddy earned runner-up status. Reinsman Chris Page took over driving duties from Raia in guiding Whatamach to victory. Tidewater Moses and Ultimate Straight also earned a berth in the final.

In the other two-year-old male pacing elimination, Charlie By Far surged past the entire field in deep stretch to pull out an upset win over a heavily favoured Fran Raia II-trained entry.

Sent off at 22-1, Charlie By Far made up for a break in his only other career start by crossing in 1:56.3. The Powerful Toy colt was guided by trainer/driver Bart Dalious. Raia’s entry of Ricks Luck and Ricks Jackpot finished second and third respectively, and all three will advance along with Blueridge Straight and Tidewaterprettyboy.

In other Virginia-bred action, Blueridge Bob Cat captured the colt and gelding trot in 2:01 over a pair of other entrants while Luring Maxine earned honours in the filly trot by finishing first in 2:03. In the filly pace, Tidewater Lilpaige took the division with a four-length triumph in 1:57.

Colonial Downs is dark Thursday and Friday. Racing resumes Saturday when the Virginia-bred three-year-olds compete in elimination and prep races.

(Colonial Downs)