Dinner Guest and Anderlecht were both victorious in Saturday’s first leg of the Willowdale Pacing Series for four-year-olds at Woodbine Racetrack

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Dinner Guest, who made a break in stride at the start of his most recent race, had no issues tonight in the early going and took charge from the outset for driver Jody Jamieson. Once on top, he was able to control the tempo and went on to a three-quarter length tally over a hard-closing The Admiral with favourite Get Out Of Dodge settling for third.

The win was the first in two tries this season for the four-year-old gelded son of No Pan Intended who is conditioned by Chad Schmiedge for the Ceejay Stable, Pat Elynuik and Doris McDougall of Alberta. The winner’s share of the purse boosted his earnings to just over $83,000 lifetime.

In the second $40,000 contest, Anderlecht scored an upset win from off-the-pace for driver Mike Saftic in 1:54.2. The four-year-old son of Cams Card Shark got up in the final strides to nip Lucky Man and Keystone Nautilus who were involved in an early speed duel.

Anderlecht, who was sent off at 14-1, notched his first win of the season in two tries for trainer Igor Vrablic. The win increased his career bankroll to just over $134,000 for the Black Road Stable and the Point Zero Seven Racing of Ontario.

The Willowdale Series continues with second-round action next Saturday night at Woodbine.

(WEG)

To view Saturday’s results, click here.