Miss Vera Bars Series continues

Slimsplace and Pebble Creek were both off-the-pace winners in Thursday night’s second leg of the Miss Vera Bars Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies at Woodbine Racetrack.

 

Slimsplace watched Cams Cupid do most of the front-end road work in the opening $20,000(C) contest and then rallied in the stretch for driver Randy Waples to haul down race favorite A Pippin Hanover who was closing on the inside to nip Cams Cupid for the place spot. The daughter of Artsplace-Shes Beachy kicked back $4.90 as the second choice in the wagering.

 

Slimsplace now has an opportunity to sweep this year’s series after winning last week in round one in 1:57. Thursday’s win was her fourth lifetime for trainer Jeff Gillis who co-owns along with Ellen Ott of Buffalo, N.Y.

 

In the second split, heavily favored Pebble Creek sat last throughout much of the mile in the seven-horse field and, despite a quickening final half pace, she swept past rivals for driver Mike Saftic to win in 1:55.2. The Mistress finished in the runner-up spot with pacesetting Kims Quest holding on for third.

 

The daughter of Modern Art-Hayser Creek has now won three of four starts this season for trainer Barry Bird who co-owns along with Debbie Bird of Harwood, Ont. She returned a popular $3.40 for the victory.

 

The $60,000(C) final of the Miss Vera Bars Pacing Series will go postward next Thursday night at Woodbine. (WEG)