by Greg Blanchard, WEG media

Toronto, ON — Go Go Red Marty delivered as the heavy favorite while Vermo posted a big upset in Thursday’s (April 8) first leg of the Tie Silk Trotting Series for 3-year-olds at Woodbine Racetrack.

New Image Media photo

Go Go Red Marty and Mike Saftic won the fastest Tie Silk split in 1:58.3.

Go Go Red Marty, who entered the second C$20,000 split undefeated in two starts this season, won handily for driver Mike Saftic in 1:58.3. The chestnut gelded son of Striking Sahbra-Clarice Marie made his move to command in the second quarter and then cruised to the easy decision over Lorenzo Dream with Poof K getting promoted two spots up into the third position after two others were disqualified for racing violations.

The winner returned a popular $2.30 as the prohibitive top choice in the wagering. Go Go Red Marty had won his previous start in a lifetime best time of 1:55 after being parked the entire mile from post 10. Overall, he is now three-for-three this season for trainer Kent Baker who co-owns along with Jo Smith, Cal Patterson and Randy Fielder.

In the opening split, Vermo took advantage of a ground-saving trip to score for driver Robert Shepherd in 2:00.1. The gelded son of E L Stewart-J N Miss Thrilling overhauled the tempo-setting Mr Genesis in the late stages with A Lister finishing a close third.

Vermo rewarded his backers with a hefty $47.90 win ticket and triggered a triactor worth $3,391.60. It was the third win in six trips postward for Vermo who is owned by trainer Charlotte Hockman along with Christoffer Blomqvist.

The second leg of the Tie Silk Trotting Series will go postward next Thursday night (April 15) at Woodbine.