by Karen Briggs, WEG Media

Toronto, ON — It has been well worth the trip up the 401 for Michigan trainer Todd Buter. He brought three 4-year-old daughters of Keystone Raider to the Big Smoke to try their luck in the Damsel Pacing Series, for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares, and all three have delivered substantial checks in the first two legs of the series.

Now, Gottogetoutmore (who was third and second in the Damsel opener and sequel), Rip Rockin Lady (who scored a win in the series debut, and was second in the follow-up) and Park Avenue (fourth in the opening round, a winner last week) are collectively listed as the even-money favorites going into the C$75,000 Damsel Pacing Series final on Thursday, March 26. That is fortunate, because sorting out which Buter trainee is likely to be dominant in this final match-up would have been the tough part!

Though the Buter babes are a formidable trio in this final contest, we’ve also seen flashes of brilliance from several other mares in the field, including Murray Brethour pupil Designated Leader (a winner in first-round action), and Rob Fellows’ Paper Cut (who prevailed over Rip Rockin Lady last week).

Furthermore, two of Buter’s three lasses have drawn outside post positions, which could complicate the calculations.

So there’s no certainty as to who will be the Dominant Damsel.

The Damsel Pacing Series final is race six at Woodbine on Thursday night. Post time is 9:05 p.m.