Jimbelina will have an opportunity at a Niagara Series sweep on Boxing Day following a sharp 1:52.3 score in Friday’s second leg at Woodbine Racetrack.
The Rene Bourassa trainee cruised to a strong three-length victory in the second of two $17,000 Niagara Series divisions on Friday.
Driven by Sylvain Filion, Jimbelina fired out from post six to the lead and posted an opening quarter of :26.4. After middle-half fractions of :56 and 1:25, the Bourassa trainee kicked home through the frigid Woodbine air in a snappy :27.3 for her third consecutive victory.
Queenofthejungle finished second, while Norcross Blue Chip was third.
A daughter of Big Jim, Jimbelina now has nine wins in 18 starts this season for earnings of $53,880. The sophomore pacing filly is owned by Roland Trudel of Becancour, Que.
Jimbelina paid $2.80 to win.
The evening’s first division saw P L Jasmine score a mild 5-1 upset for her first victory of 2016.
Driven by Doug McNair, P L Jasmine got away sixth in a field of seven. Hot Spot Hanover, the 6-5 favourite, made a second quarter move to the lead from third to overtake first leg winner Icthelight Hanover for command.
The public’s choice posted middle-half fractions of :57.4 and 1:26.3, while Docs Diva came first up and started the outer flow, allowing McNair to situate P L Jasmine third-over on the far turn.
In the stretch, Hot Spot Hanover edged away from her rivals and appeared to have a victory within sight. However, P L Jasmine delivered a strong :27.3 final quarter and was able to shoot by Hot Spot Hanover in the final strides to win by a length and a quarter in 1:55.
Misty De Vie finished third, while Icthelight Hanover couldn’t repeat her week one performance and finished sixth.
A daughter of Badlands Hanover, P L Jasmine came into Friday’s second leg winless in 18 starts this season. The Rob McMillan trainee finished fifth in last week’s opening leg.
P L Jasmine now has over $22,000 banked this season and her third career victory brings her total earnings to $42,676 for owner Prince Lee Acres of Uxbridge, Ont.
A $2 win ticket on P L Jasmine returned $13.20.
Three-year-old pacing fillies, who were non-winners of $60,000 lifetime as of October 31, 2016, were eligible for nomination to the Niagara Series.
The $33,400 Niagara Series final will take place on Woodbine’s special Boxing Day matinee card on Monday, Dec. 26. The $35,400 Valedictory Series final will also be held on Boxing Day.
Live racing continues Saturday night at Woodbine with an 11-race card, featuring the second leg of the Valedictory and a $34,000 Preferred Pace. Post time is 7:30 p.m.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.
(With files from WEG)