Bouchard takes the lady

Decision, decisions. Such is the price of popularity and Stephane Bouchard, Yonkers Racway's leading driver, has elected to sit behind Ladytrix in Friday night's $44,700 final of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies. The race is Yonkers' first series final of the season and the richest 2007 race to date.

Ladytrix, who races as part of a Linda Toscano-trained entry, drew post position four in the final of the Hopeful, going as the eighth race during the baker's-dozen dash program. Her barnmate, The Isle of Pan, drew right next door at post five. Bouchard had driven both ladies during the three-week trials.

The Isle Of Pan, the only lass to sweep all three Hopeful preliminary legs, shall be paired with Greg Grismore. Both Ladytrix and The Isle of Pan are co-owned by Stake Your Claim Stable.

Ladytrix was no certainly slouch in her preps. After finishing second in round one she aried in the second and third weeks. Her margins were 7 1/4 and three lengths, respectively, her first two parimutuel victories. The 1:58 effort last Friday was the fastest mile of the preliminary round.

Ever the diplomat, Bouchard offered, "I really couldn't go wrong either way. (Ladytrix) was very sharp last
week,and drew a bit better. If they weren't so close (behind the starting gate), I would have gone the other way."

The Isle Of Pan, who has hit the board in 11 of her 14 career tries, has shown versatility in the series preps. She won in 1:58.2 a week ago despite throwing in some steps in the latter portion of the mile.

The field for final of the Hopeful Pacing Series--3-year-old fillies--in post position order:

1-Dexagon (Driver TBA)
2-Blissfull Jessie (Pat Lachance)
3-Vegemite (Jeff Gregory)
4-Ladytrix (Stephane Bouchard)
5-The Isle of Pan (Greg Grismore)
6-Makin' A Statemant (Pat Berry)
7-Shezarealcaesar (Adam Rucker)
8-Final Renee (Jason Bartlett).

It was Bombs Away Monday at Yonkers, with Just Sit N Wait (George Brennan, $52.50) and East Creek Huck (Mark Gingrich $26.60) combining for a $621 early daily double and Jealous Clown (Mike Forte, $77) leading a $1,241, eighth-race exacta with 103-1 Royal Rustler (Eric Abbatiello). The latter actually gained the lead in deep stretch, but was caught at the line by the former. (Yonkers)

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