Waples directs Designated Leader to Damsel final victory

Randy Waples orchestrated a perfect front-end steer for Murray Brethour pupil, Designated Leader, Thursday night to capture the $75,000(C) final of the Damsel Pacing Series.

The 4-year-old daughter of No Pan Intended emerged victorious from a brief tussle for the lead from her outside post position, and proceeded to lead the field through sensible fractions of :26.3, :56.3, and 1:25, with PH Dreamer and Mike Saftic riding on Waples’ helmet, and Onehotvett (Chris Christoforou) some two lengths back in third through the first half mile.

Just past the half, Rip Rockin Lady, one of three entries from Michigan conditioner, Todd Buter, got underway under the urging of Jody Jamieson, and positioned herself in second on the outside, boxing in PH Dreamer.

Though that filly desperately looked for racing room as the field entered the stretch, she never found it, and Designated Leader dug deep to hold off both P H Dreamer and Rip Rockin Lady for the win, crossing the wire a length to the good in 1:54.

The time equaled Designated Leader’s winning effort in the first leg of the Damsel series on Thursday, March 12.

This was the third victory in 10 starts this year, and by far the biggest purse of her career, for Designated Leader, who is owned by Bill Manes, Robert Little, William Cripps, and Paul Sabourin. (WEG)

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