Count B Series for 3YOs underway

The Count B Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings kicked off Friday night at Woodbine with Totally Empressive and Come Back drawing first blood in their respective divisions on what was another chilly night at the Toronto oval.

Totally Empressive took charge early in the opening $20,000 contest for driver Randy Waples and was able to last on the lead for a 1:55.2 victory. The gelded son of The Panderosa - Northern Empress was able to fend off a hard-charging Playing Solitaire with Cactus Jack rallying to pick up the show spot.

It was the second win in just four lifetime starts for the Bob McIntosh trainee who is owned by the Burke Racing Stable Llc. of Fredericktown, Pa. He returned $13.10 in what was a mild upset.

In the second division, Come Back left sharply from post six and yielded the lead briefly to Lake Shark before retaking command at the quarter and then going on to an easy win in 1:54.1. Lake Shark followed in and held the place spot with Bruisers Brother closing well to finish third.

It was the first start of the season for Come Back who won seven of nine last season as a 2-year-old for trainer Tim Gillespie and owner Len Kordy of Kingston, Ontario. He kicked back $6.50 as the slight wagering choice.

The Count B Series will continue with round two action next Friday night at Woodbine. (WEG)