The $30,000 opening round of the Valedictory Series highlighted the Friday card of harness racing at Woodbine Racetrack with J C Onthebeach winning the fastest of two divisions.
Driven by Jonathan Drury, J C Onthebeach earned himself a new lifetime mark as he got under the wire first in 1:52.2.
The gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere was first to the front at the opening station in :27, but allowed a parked out Tauranga (Chris Christoforou) to clear to command heading to the half. Drury quickly regained the lead, but found himself in the pocket once again as heavy favourite Americhi (Jody Jamieson) took control past the half in :56. Americhi continued to lead past three-quarters in 1:23.4 and into the stretch, but couldn’t fend off a late challenge from J C Onthebeach in deep stretch. Yucatan (Randy Waples) finished third.
Owned by Bruce Soulsby, J C Onthebeach is a perfect two-for-two since arriving in the barn of Therese Vrablic. The sophomore pacer celebrated his seventh career tally and his bankroll now sits at $45,034. He paid $10.80 to win.
In the other split, favourite Alexas Jackpot and Jody Jamieson stopped the timer in 1:53.3.
Jamieson put Alexas Jackpot in the three-hole in the early stages as second choice Avatartist (Mike Saftic) took command with the inside post advantage to lead past the opening quarter in :27.3. Avatartist continued to lead past the half in :56.3 before Alexas Jackpot began the first-over journey. Avatartist marched past three-quarters in 1:25.1, but Alexas Jackpot was hot on his heels down the stretch and eventually wore down the tempo-setter en route to victory lane. Hes A Sensation (Phil Hudon) came from off-the-pace to finish second with Avatartist and Pappys Pal (Keith Oliver) finishing in a dead-heat for third.
Trained and co-owned by Marty Fine along with Highland Thoroughbred Farm, the son of Million Dollar Cam earned his fifth career score as his bankroll climbed to $56,700. He paid $3.60 to win.
The Valedictory Series is for three-year-old colts and geldings, who are non-winners of $50,000 lifetime as of October 31. The second leg of the series will go postward on Friday, December 20. The $30,000 (added) final will take place on Boxing Day (December 26), which holds a special 1 p.m. first race post time.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.
(With files from WEG)