Three new winners emerged from Thursday's second leg of what has been a wide open General Brock Trotting Series for 4 year olds at Woodbine Racetrack.
The first division was an action-packed affair with Eventime parked most of the first half before taking over the lead. He was still on top as the field turned for home, but the toll of that long trip caught up to him in the late stages as Standford Bridge surged past in the final strides for an 87-1 upset. Eventime did manage to salvage the place spot with Superfast Stuart rounding out the top three. The winner returned $177.50 and triggered a triactor worth $11,550.40.
It was the first win in six tries this season for the gelded son of Kadabra-Defiant Emma trained by Dennis Rich who co-owns along with Frank Cirillo.
In the second division, Frenchfrysnvinegar took command through a brisk :27 first quarter, got a breather in the second panel and then fought off a determined Southwind Rew to score in 1:57 for driver Luc Ouellette. A fast-closing Society Kad picked up the show spot.
It was the third win in seven starts this season for the daughter of Angus Hall-Gugus. The victory improved her earnings to $90,869 for trainer David Smith who co-owns along with the Big Als Stable.
World Stage was parked well past the first quarter in the final split, but once on top he did not look back in posting a 9-1 victory for driver Jim Ritchie in 1:57.2. The gelded son of Self Possessed-Cabaret Hall turned back Celebrity Shark with Sand Top Gun landing the show spot.
It was the second win in six starts this season and a lifetime best for World Stage who made a miscue at the start of last week's first leg. Ritchie also does the training for owners Terry Taylor and Robert Rombough.
The final of The General Brock Trotting Series will go postward next Thursday night (March 5) from Woodbine. (WEG)