by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — A longshot and a repeat winner prevailed in round two action of the Valedictory Series Friday night (Dec. 19) at Woodbine Racetrack.

Two C$15,000 divisions of eight starters contested the second leg of the three-week series for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

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Verbalize and Roger Mayotte pulled off a 66-1 shocker in 1:53.1 in the first Valedictory Series split.

In the first division, Verbalize and Roger Mayotte pulled off a 66-1 shocker in 1:53.1.

American Island sprinted to the lead, but a parked out Major Deagan would overtake him for the front at the opening quarter in :26.3. American Island wasted no time going right back to the lead in the second quarter and would carry the lead into the stretch after posting fractions of :54.3 and 1:23.1.

In the stretch, the outer flow around the final turn would close in on American Island and Verbalize, who was seventh and third over at the three-quarter pole, had the most speed to sprint by them all to score a two length victory. Ransom Demand took the place spot, while Mittcent Van Gogh finished third.

A son of Tell All, Verbalize is trained by Edward Galinski for owner Ronald Dale Randall of Berlin Center, Ohio. Verbalize now has four career victories and four wins in 21 starts this season. The winner’s share of the purse boosts his career earnings to more than C$23,000. Sent off as the longest shot on the board, Verbalize returned $134.40 to win.

The second division featured a matchup between the two leg one winners, Kindofabigdeal and Company Man. A showdown between the two never materialized, as Kindofabigdeal went straight to the front and never looked back.

A son of No Pan Intended, Kindofabigdeal was put on the front by driver Sylvain Filion, while Company Man got away last and was more than 14 lengths from the lead. Kindofabigdeal posted fractions of :26.4, :55.3 and 1:24, before sprinting home in :28.2 to score a two length victory over Rural Art in 1:52.2. Company Man got into the outer flow down the backstretch and was third over around the final turn. The son of American Ideal paced a strong last quarter of :27.2 to finish third.

Kindofabigdeal is trained by Richard Moreau for owner Hudson Standrdbrd Stb Inc. of Hudson, Quebec. The 3-year-old has now won five of nine starts this year in his first season of racing. His bankroll currently sits at just under C$50,000. Kindofabigdeal paid $4.50 to win.

The top ten money earners from the first two legs to enter the final will contest the C$35,000 Valedictory Series finale next Friday afternoon (Dec. 26) at Woodbine. Post time for the Boxing Day card is 1 p.m.

Live racing continues Saturday night with an 11-race card beginning at 7:25 p.m.