by Greg Gangle – WEG Media

Toronto, ON — Twenty one sophomore pacing colts and gelding invaded Woodbine on Saturday evening to contest in a pair of C$25,000 Valedictory Stakes eliminations.

Sent off as the 2-5 favorite, Audreys Dream and driver Jody Jamieson prevailed in the first elimination, stopping the timer in 1:51.

Achilles Blue Chip (Chris Christoforou) muscled his way to command at the opening station in a quick :26.1. Weigh The Odds (Paul MacDonell) was also forwardly placed in the pocket with Thebestofjoel (Sylvain Filion) on the outside third.

Thebestofjoel would clear to the lead heading towards the half, but Lonesome Attack (Brett Miller) moved out from fourth and took over command before the half in :55.

Jamieson elected to move Audreys Dream first-over and the son of Rocknroll Hanover was just one length off the tempo-setter past three-quarters in 1:23.3.

Turning for home, Lonesome Attack was still in command, but Audreys Dream made a late rally in deep stretch to score the victory by three-quarters of a length. Drive Em Cowboy (Rick) Zeron came from well off the pace to finish a distant third.

Audreys Dream celebrated his seventh career victory for trainer Ben Wallace and owner Brad Grant. He paid $2.90 for the win.

In the second elimination, Itrustyou scored his sixth straight victory with driver Brett Miller aboard.

Sent off as the even-money favorite, Curator (Billy Davis. Jr) led his nine rivals past the first quarter in a speedy :26.2. Pansai Yamamoto (Randy Waples) was in the pocket with Itrustyou third.

With seven victories in eight lifetime appearances coming into Saturday night, Curator received front-end respect from his nine rivals as he continued to lead past the half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:23.1.

Itrustyou angled to the outside around the final turn was within 3-1/2 lengths of Curator at the top of the stretch.

Curator was still in the lead, but began to tire as both Itrustyou and Pansai Yamamoto were in stalking on the outside.

In deep stretch, Itrustyou took over command and fought off a late challenge from Pansai Yamamoto with Curator finishing third.

Ron Burke trains the son of Third Straight for Burke Racing Stable. He paid $6.50 for the win.

The C$60,000 final will line up as follows:

1) Weigh The Odds

2) Itrustyou

3) Audreys Dream

4) Lyons Johnny

5) Thebestofjoel

6) Curator