Rick Zeron and Midnite Romp came on strong with a :26.4 final quarter to capture the $48,200 final of the Apaches Fame Pacing Series at Woodbine Racetrack tonight
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Herestopatrick and Luc Ouellette made a rush for the early lead from the outside post position, but by the quarter pole were overtaken by Its A Good Thing, the 4-5 favourite, with Randy Waples at the controls. Through a sensible second quarter, Its A Good Thing stayed in command, with Herestopatrick in the pocket spot. Through the far turn, however, Zeron put Midnite Romp, rated at even money, in motion from third, and the son of Million Dollar Cam’s relentless attack proved too much for Its A Good Thing, who faded to third as Herestopatrick also produced a strong closing kick. The winning time was 1:53.1.
Midnite Romp, who was also victorious in the final of The Count B series in February, is a homebred owned by the David Goodrow Stable and Glenn Tarver. David Gibson trains the three-year-old gelding, who has picked up a cheque in all of his seven starts this year and now has $88,430 to show for his efforts.
In regular racing action, Dreamfair Eternal rallied off a second-over trip in late stretch to take the $44,000 Fillies & Mares Pace in a career-best 1:50.4.
With Tony Kerwood at the lines, Dreamfair Eternal, the 2-1 second choice, got away seventh from Post 4 as Rick Zeron sent favourite Four Starzz Meliss straight to the lead from the outside. With her five-win streak on the line, Four Starzz Meliss put up a :26.2 first quarter then rolled past the half in :54.3.
Dreamfair Eternal made her move picking up cover from Michelles Power (Jody Jamieson) en route to the third quarter in 1:23. As the field headed into the stretch, Four Starzz Meliss battled with Michelles Power but Dreamfair Eternal glided past the pair in deep stretch for the two and a quarter-length score. Longshot Gina Raider (Sylvain Filion) closed well to finish second ahead of Michelles Power and Four Starzz Meliss.
Trained by Pat Fletcher and owned and bred by John and Mary Lamers of Ingersoll, Ont., Dreamfair Eternal scored her second win in three ’09 starts. The five-year-old Cambest – J Cs Nathalie mare notched her 14th career triumph and lifted her bankroll to $185,245.
To view Friday’s results, click here.
(With files from WEG)