Shadow Play took the lead heading into the first turn, lost the advantage on the backstretch, but was much the best in the lane to take first division in the opening round of The Diplomat Pacing Series, Saturday night at Woodbine. Unbeaten Stonebridge Magnum displayed strong speed early and carried it the entire trip with Randy Waples to take the second division in 1:52.4.
Shadow Play, a son of The Panderosa, was trained to his fifth career win by Ian Moore, who also owns a piece of the Pennsylvania-bred with the R G McGroup Ltd and Serge Savard. Shadow Play, two for two this year, paid $9.60 to win. Bob McIntosh trained Stonebridge Magnum, another son of The Panderosa, to his fifth straight win for partners Angie Stiller of Arva and Dan Belliveau. Waples was able to get a slow :28.4 second quarter after working hard to get the early :27 split. Only Windsun Thunder was a late threat to finish second, while All Pro Hall as third. Racing fans may remember The Diplomat as a stepping stone for Pepsi North America Cup hero and eventual co-Horse of the Year, Tell All, in 2007. The 2008 edition of the Pepsi North America Cup is set for June 14 at Mohawk. (WEG)
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