Cane Ridge stopped the clock in 1:53.4 in the fastest of three divisions in the opening leg of the Snowshoe Pacing Series for three and four-year-olds on New Years Day at Woodbine Racetrack
. The other $20,000 splits went to Pinner (1:54) and Bruisers Brother (1:55.2)
Cane Ridge made a quick move to the front for driver Rick Zeron in the final division before yielding to sit in the pocket behind slight favourite Giddy Up Delight the rest of the way. He drafted in behind the pacesetter until mid-stretch when he tipped out and got up for the narrow decision. Giddy Up Delight held the place spot with longshot Cactus Jack rounding out the top three. The winner returned $6.80 to win.
The four-year-old gelded son of Cambest-Camus won two of just four starts last season for trainer Travis Umphrey and owners Joe Tinelli and Timothy Kane of Alberta. The victory boosted his career earnings to just over $45,000.
In the opening split, Pinner won his second straight at Woodbine with a decisive pocket-trip conversion for driver Mark MacDonald. He was able to overhaul pacesetting M A Sailor who held the pace spot with Shiftin Geartogear rallying to grab the show spot.
Pinner, who won just once in 37 starts last season, is now perfect in two starts for new trainer Zaim Cunmulaj and owner E C S Racing LLC of Rockford, Michigan. He kicked back $6.60 in winning while improving his bankroll to just over $38,000.
Brusiers Brother used identical tactics to post a 9-1 upset in the second division for driver Mike Saftic. The son of Mach Three-Believeinyourdream picked off the pacesetting Mizter Fastforward with Sparky Mark rounding out the top three.
The Louie Eftimiadis trainee won just once in 14 last season for owner Gerald Mijal of Westland, Michigan, but did bank just over $60,000 in earnings along the way.
The second leg of the Snowshoe Pacing Series will go postward next Friday night at Woodbine.
Live racing resumes this weekend at the Toronto oval on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and then again on Sunday afternoon with first post at 1:20 p.m.
(WEG)
To view Friday’s results, click here.