Cracklin Rosie disappointed as the favourite with a fourth-place finish in last month’s final of the Blizzard Series, but she bounced back to be a popular winner in the opening leg of the Miss Vera Bars Series during the Thursday nighter at Woodbine Racetrack.

Just a lone division worth $17,000 was required when 11 sophomore fillies entered the box, and with an early scratch a ten-pack of pacers were left to face the gate. Cracklin Rosie was still required to start from her original post in the second tier, but it clearly didn’t bother her one iota.

Phil Hudon got away eighth with Cracklin Rosie while Mattjestic Tempo was allowed to free-wheel on the lead through fractions of :27.2, :56.4 and 1:25.1. Hudon moved the Luc Ouellette trainee into the flow going to the half, and the filly improved from eighth to sixth from the mid-way point to the three-quarter pole. With more than six lengths of separation between herself and the leader, Cracklin Rosie turned on the jets late and used a 28-second closing quarter to prevail by a half-length margin over Mattjestic Tempo in 1:54.2. Windsun Glory overcame a late interference break to finish third.

The homebred daughter of Badlands Hanover-Honeys Bud Lite races for the partnership of Luc Ouellette Incorporated, Anita Ouellette and Alan Alber. The victory improved her 2016 record to 2-1-0 from four starts, and the $8,500 payday lifted her lifetime earnings to $33,886.

Driver Phil Hudon, who entered Thursday’s card leading all Woodbine drivers in victories, visited the winner’s circle four times throughout the course of the evening to increase his 2016 wins total to 24.

The Guelph, Ontario resident steered trotter Tymal Wizard to a 30-1 upset in the evening’s sixth race in addition to clicking with trotter Southwind Alice and pacer Regal Fame.

Wagering numbers were strong Thursday night, as a total of $1,888,590 was wagered on the 11-race card.

Strong pools carried from start to finish over the course of the night. The evening’s seventh race led the way with a Win pool exceeding $53,000 while both the Exactor and Triactor pools topped $50,000.

The Pick-5 wager continues to gain momentum, as a total of $37,413 was wagered into Thursday's pool. The Pick-5 begins each night on the opening race.

Live racing continues Friday night with The Count B and Ontario Girls Series highlighting another 11-race card. Post time is 7:30 p.m.

(With files from WEG)

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Racetrack.