Favorites score in Damsel Series opening splits

Favorites Crystal Chris and Alexis Hall both prevailed in Thursday night's opening leg of the Damsel Pacing Series for 3 and 4-year-old fillies and mares at Woodbine Racetrack.

Crystal Chris went straight to the front from post five in the opening $35,000(C) split and laid down fractions of :27.2, :56.1 and 1:25.3, before sprinting home in :27.3 to win in 1:53.1. Rick Zeron guided the 4-year-old daughter of Dragon Again - Taylor Q to a half-length decision over Locamotion Baby and Lady Mach. The winner returned $3.40.

Richard Lareau trains Crystal Chris who has now won four of her eight starts this season for owner Ned Simmons of Margate, Fla. The win improved her career bankroll to just shy of $80,000(C).

In the other division, Alexis Hall was making her 2008 debut and scored by a diminishing neck in 1:52.1. The 4-year-old daughter of Cambest-Duncans Artplace, with Keith Oliver at the controls, made a power move to the lead in the third quarter and then held off an onrushing Apple Delight with Freckly Sara rounding out the top three. Alexis Hall returned $5.10 for the victory.

The Gary Wallace trainee enjoyed an outstanding sophomore season in 2007, winning 13 times and banking more than $126,000(C) for owner Liam Wallace of Troy, Ont.

The Damsel Series continues with round-two action next Thursday night at Woodbine. (WEG)

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