It was a disastrous day for favourites as the Blizzard Pacing Series for fillies and mares kicked off on New Years Eve Day at Woodbine Racetrack - the final program of the 2009 racing season in Toronto
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In the first of two $20,000 divisions, it was heavily-backed Kims Quest who faltered after an inside following trip and ended up third behind mild upsetter Miss Sand Creek and driver Alex Lilley who stopped the clock in 1:56.4.
The rookie daughter of Red River Hanover-Silver Road rallied from sixth at the half to win going away by more than four lengths over the first-over Kissing Camels. The winner returned $11.20 to her backers.
It was the third win in 10 tries this season for the filly who is co-owned by Ed Mullinax of Ohio along with trainer Gerald Lilley. The win bumped her seasonal earnings to just over $31,000.
There was an even bigger upset in the second division when the prohibitive top choice, Slimsplace, was visibly not herself and faltered badly to finish distanced in the field.
That opened the door for the remaining competitors and it was newcomer Mcgain And Mcgain who came through for driver Roger Mayotte from off-the-pace in 1:57.4. The two-year-old daughter of Mcardle–Onceagain also rallied from sixth at the half to win by more than two lengths over Allamerican Damsel and A Bit Like Britt.
The filly, who had shipped in from Balmoral Park, was winning for the first time in just her second career start for owners Rob Rittof and Gail and Robert Sanders of Beecher, Illinois. She kicked back $23.90 to win and triggered a Triactor worth $12,116.40.
The second leg of the Blizzard Pacing Series will go postward next Thursday night at Woodbine.
Also, on closing day, conditioner Tracy Brainard wrapped up her first WEG trainer’s title, 107-106, over defending champion Ben Baillargeon.
Brainard entered the afternoon with a one-win lead over Baillargeon and both trainers were shutout on the card.
Live racing resumes at Woodbine on New Years Day at 1:20 p.m. There will also be live action on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and the first Sunday afternoon program of 2010 the following day at 1:20 p.m.
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To view Thursday’s results, click here.