In the frst division Ramalama (Yannick Gingras, $5.80), part of a three-headedRon Burke-trained entry, prevailed from the pocket. After the pole-sitting Warrawee Koine (Jason Bartlett) seated everyone (:28.1, :56.4), Ramalama played along from post position No. 2. Eightunrdolarbill (Brian Sears) pulled from third, going nowhere toward the 1:25 three-quarters.
That compromised a second-up Ginger And Fred (Matt Kakaley), who went wide to nowhere. Meanwhile, the 4-5 choice, Anndrovette (Tim Tetrick), who floated into an early five-hole, was minding her business while improving her position. Warrawee Koine owned a two-length lead into the lane, with Ramalama -- who tired badly on the lead a week ago -- edging out and gaining. She whipped a pylon-skimming Anndrovette by a head in 1:53.1. Warrawee Koine faded to third.
For Ramalama, a 4-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight co-owned (as Burke Racing) by her trainer, Weaver Bruscemi and Our Horse Cents Stable, it was her second win (the entry was the second choice) in six season’s starts (two-for-five in the series). The exacta paid $10.40, with the triple returning $26.40.
In the second division the lasses left in post order (:28.2, :56.3, 1:25), which played to the advantage of Handsoffmycookie (Tim Tetrick). Handsoffmycookie had only token, first-up pressure from the longshot Western Silk (catch-driver Jason Bartlett), but the 8-5 shot Feeling You (Tyler Buter) was waiting her turn in behind.
Feeling You ($5.50) first went in, then out, going by Handsoffmycookie and winning by one-half length in 1:52.3. Handsoffmycookie held second over Krispy Apple (Matt Kakaley), with that one making a break nearing the wire. Krsipy Apple crossed the line third, but was set down to fourth after being lapped-on to Rocklamation (Gingras).
The second choice, Feeling You, a 6-year-old daughter of Cambest trained by Amber Buter for co-owners Buter the driver, Stephen Oldford and Oldford Farms, has five wins in eight season’s starts (three-for-five in the series).The exacta paid $16.60, with the triple returning $37.80.
In the third division Darena Hanover (Yannick Gingras) and Keeper's Destiny (Brian Sears) played leapfrog on the lead during a :27.3 opening quarter-mile Darena Hanover, part of the 9-10 favored entry, found a :57 intermission before the fresh Salix of Ramona Disomma (Daniel Dube), from post No. 5, took out of fifth.
That one cut into the margin of the leader through the 1:25.1 three-quarters, and then kept on keepin' on. She won by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:53.3. Second went to Keeeper's Destiny, with Darena Hanover tiring to third.
The third choice, Ramona Disomma ($6.90), a homebred 8-year-old daughter of Pacific Fella owned by Anatolia Racing Stable and trained by Rene Allard, is now four-for-nine this season (two-for-four in the series). The exacta paid $27.40, with the triple returning $48.80.
The leading eight Matchmaker point-earners were Anndrovette (325), Feeling You (308), Camille (275), Rocklamation (274), Krispy Apple (270), Ramalama (255), Ginger And Fred (232) and Bettor B Lucky (220). The "second eight" include Warrawee Koine (212½ ), Eightunrdolarbill (205), Ramona Disomma (200), Royal Cee Cee N (199½), Rock N Soul (167), Handsoffmycookie (163), Full Picture (162) and Doc's Hope (152).
Please note that these are not necessarily the entrants for the April 27 final ($285,000) and consolation ($75,000), until determined by the race office.
Friday night's $38,500 Open Handicap trot was won by the eight hole assignee Imperial Count (Tyler Buter, $7.70), in 1:56.
Saturday's card will feature the fifth and final preliminary round of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series, going as four, $50,000 divisions.