Undefeated pacing filly Sayitall BB earned her sixth straight victory while making her Canadian debut in the first leg of the Blizzard Series on Friday evening at Woodbine Racetrack.
Twenty-eight three and four-year-old pacing fillies and mares were showcased in three $15,000 series divisions.
Sayitall BB and driver Jody Jamieson won the opening division in a nail-biter for trainer Ron Burke in a lifetime-best 1:54.
Leaving from the outside post eight, Sayitall BB and Jamieson were parked on the outside through the opening panel in :26.4, set by Miss Poppycock (Chris Christoforou). As soon as Sayitall BB cleared to the front, Miss Poppycock quickly regained command to lead past the half in :56 and three-quarters in 1:26.
Turning for home, the pair of favourites separated themselves from their rivals and began to duke it out down the stretch. In the end, Miss Poppycock gave way to Sayitall BB in the final strides for the nose decision. Ignite The Nite (Randy Waples) finished nearly six lengths behind in third.
Owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Sayitall BB increased her bankroll to $29,350. The sophomore daughter of Tell All paid $3.70 to win.
Sent off as the slight second choice in the wagering, An Angel Shes Not, in rein to Paul MacDonell, came from off-the-pace to prevail in 1:56.3 to take the second division.
Favourite Zip Car (Doug McNair) was parked to the opening quarter in :26.3 before clearing and continued to set the pace past the half in :56.2. Lookers Destiny (Larry Small) remained parked on the outside for the mile, which gave cover to An Angel Shes Not as Zip Car led past three-quarters in 1:26.3.
Down the stretch, Zip Car began to tire on the front end as An Angel Shes Not continued to grind away on the tempo-setter in deep stretch before getting up in the final strides for the half-length victory. Twin B Amour (Jody Jamieson) finished third less than a length behind.
Trained, owned and bred by David Snowden of Bowmanville, Ont., An Angel Shes Not earned herself a new mark as she celebrated her second lifetime victory. Her bankroll now sits at $19,724. The three-year-old Jeremes Jet filly paid $5.70 to win.
Lyonsaura and Randy Waples took the final division in another tight finish in a career-best 1:54.1.
The four-year-old Camluck mare led from start to finish through panels of :27.4, :57.4 and 1:26.1 before fending off post time favourite Murrayfield (Keith Oliver) down the stretch to score by a neck. Rock N Roll Xample (Billy Davis Jr.) finished nearly four lengths back in third.
Making her first start for trainer Corey Johnson, Lyonsaura paid $8.90 to win as the 3-1 second choice. She celebrated her second career victory and now has earnings of $15,000 for owner Geoffrey Lyons Mound of Burford, Ont.
The Blizzard Series is for three and four-year-old fillies and mares, who are non-winners of two races or $20,000 lifetime as of November 30, 2013. The second leg of the series is scheduled for Friday, January 24 with the $30,000 (added) final on Friday, January 31.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.
(With files from WEG)