The Damsel Pacing Series for four-year-old mares kicked off at Woodbine Racetrack on Thursday evening, with thirteen starters spread out in two divisions
The first division went to Cats Meow and driver Randy Waples in 1:53. The free-legged daughter of Goliath Bayama survived a first-over journey to win for the first time in six starts this season. She fended off a late rush from the 4-5 favourite, Village Java, who had to settle for the runner-up award. Third prize went to Notable Beauty.
Dr. John Hayes conditions Cats Meow for owner/breeder Alan Kirschenbaum of Burbank, California. It was the ninth lifetime victory for the homebred who upped her lifetime earnings to $122,634 with the win.
Yankeelicious front-stepped her way to the winner’s circle in the second split for the team of driver Jody Jamieson and trainer Shawn Robinson. Jamieson rolled the daughter of Yankee Cruiser through panels of :27.1, :57.2 and 1:26.3 before storming home in :27.3 to post the 1:54.1 decision. Smashbox edged out Keepers Destiny for the place award.
Ian Fromowitz of Richmond Hill, ON and Gerrie Tucker of Montreal, QC share ownership on the 15-time winner who went 13-for-28 last year. The career winner of $140,182 now owns a 2-0-1 record in nine starts this season.
Round two of the Damsel Pacing Series will go next Thursday at Woodbine Racetrack, with the top ten money earners throughout the preliminary legs earnings berths to the $80,000 (guaranteed) final on Thursday, March 25.
To view Thursday’s results, click here.