by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — Only The World and Lucky Terror both front-stepped their way to victories on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 26) at Woodbine Racetrack in the C$60,000 Niagara and Valedictory Stakes finals.

Only The World and Jody Jamieson won the Niagara Stakes final in 1:53.2.

After scoring a victory in her Niagara Stakes elimination last week, Only The World and driver Jody Jamieson returned to victory in the final.

The daughter of Cole Muffler struck the lead in the early going from post four ahead of Bullet Point (Mark MacDonald) at the quarter in :27. Only The World would continue to lead past the half in :56 and the three-quarters in 1:25. Around the final turn, San Frontiere (Marie Claude Auger) committed first over and at the top of the stretch she and Only The World were strides apart.

With a sixteenth of a mile to go, Sans Frontiere began to tire which allowed Bullet Point to see clear racetrack from the pocket but Only The World would prevail as the favorite, stopping the clock in 1:53.2. Bullet Point was second with Sans Frontiere hanging on for third.

With the victory, Only The World enjoyed her 10th career victory as her earnings lifted to C$71,583 for trainer Jeff Gillis and owners Rose and George Bonomo.

New Image Media photos

Lucky Terror set a stakes record of 1:51 in the Valedictory Stakes final.

Lucky Terror entered the Casie Coleman barn this past week and it proved to be the right move as the son of Western Terror set a stakes record and lifetime best of 1:51, taking the Valedictory Stakes final.

After finishing fourth in his elimination last week, driver Mark MacDonald sent Lucky Terror to the front from post nine and took his rivals past the opening panel in :26.4, ahead of Ultimate Yankee (Paul MacDonell).

Lucky Terror then carved out middle-half speed of :55 and 1:22.2. Around the final turn, Village Beat (Phil Hudon) came first over but would not be a threat turning for home. Post time favorite Jackets Required got caught with traffic troubles and had to settle for second with Sparky Mark finishing third.

Lucky Terror earned his sixth career victory as he watched his earnings climb to C$73,698 for owner Glenview Livestock Ltd.