MacDonell sweeps Miss Vera Bars openers

Paul MacDonell steered home both winners in Thursday night's opening leg of the Miss Vera Bars Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies at Woodbine Racetrack.

The veteran reinsman, who is an O'Brien Award finalist this weekend, got Gerries Madison home first in the opening $17,000 split in race two in 1:55.1. The strapping daughter of Apaches Fame-Peaceful Protest rallied from off the pace to nip pacesetter Paper Cut with Autumn Magic charging up to grab the show spot.

Heavily favored Bette Blue Chip, recent winner of the Blizzard Series, faltered to finish last after an unsuccessful first-over try.

Gerries Madison has now won five of seven lifetime starts for trainer Clark Beelby and owner Gerrie Tucker of Montreal, Qc.

MacDonell also took the night's second division in race four as he guided Changing Gears to her third consecutive win in 1:54.1. The daughter of Grinfromeartoear-Apopka Denise narrowly edged out a determined Blue Mist for the lifetime-best score. First Draw followed in for the show spot.

Changing Gears has yet to taste defeat in her young career for trainer Gary Kingshott who co-owns with Randall Bennett of Toronto, Ont.

The Miss Vera Bars Series will continue next Thursday night at Woodbine. (WEG)

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