by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — Cracklin Rosie and driver Phil Hudon timed a late rally perfectly to win the first leg of the Miss Vera Bars on Thursday night (Feb. 4) at Woodbine Racetrack.

A field of 10 3-year-old pacing fillies competed in the $12,410 opening leg of the Miss Vera Bars. Originally a field of 11, Cracklin Rosie started from the second tier in Thursday’s contest. Driven by Phil Hudon, the Luc Ouellette trainee got away eighth in the early stages.

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Cracklin Rosie and driver Phil Hudon won the first leg of the Miss Vera Bars on Thursday.

Mattjestic Tempo sprinted to the front for driver Doug McNair and posted an opening quarter of :27.2. The leader was left alone in the second quarter and reached the half in :56.4. Heading into the final turn, Cracklin Rosie was brought to the outside by Hudon and sat fourth-over, as Mattjestic Tempo continued to march along on the lead and reached the third station in 1:25.1.

In the stretch, Cracklin Rosie was angled to the far outside and took dead aim at the leader. Mattjestic Tempo appeared to have enough of a jump on her rival, but Hudon timed it perfectly and Cracklin Rosie surged by in the final strides to win by a half-length in 1:54.2. Windsun Glory finished third, while Arizona Seelster rounded out the superfecta.

Cracklin Rosie was more than six lengths off the lead turning for home and paced a :28 final quarter to snag the victory at odds of 2-1. The 3-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover is owned by Luc Ouellette Incorporated, Anita Ouellette and Alan Alber.

Cracklin Rosie entered the Miss Vera Bars opener off a fourth place finish in the Blizzard Series final on Jan. 22. She now has two wins in four starts this season after going winless in five last year. The Ouellette trainee increased her career earnings to $24,463 with the victory. Cracklin Rosie paid $6.20 to win.

In order to be eligible to the Miss Vera Bars, the 3-year-old pacing fillies had to be non-winners of three races or C$40,000 lifetime as of Oct. 31, 2015.

Winter Series action continues Friday night at Woodbine with the opening legs of The Count B and Ontario Girls Series. Post time is 7:30 p.m.

Grand slam for Hudon; C$1.8 million handle Thursday night at Woodbine

Phil Hudon continued his hot start to 2016 with a grand slam on a big Thursday night at Woodbine Racetrack.

Hudon, who entered Thursday’s card leading all Woodbine drivers in victories, visited the winner’s circle four times to increase his 2016 win total to 24.

The Guelph, Ontario resident’s four victories were highlighted by 3-year-old pacing filly Cracklin Rosie sweeping by her rivals late to win the first leg of the Miss Vera Bars Series. Hudon also steered trotter Tymal Wizard to a 30-1 upset in the evening’s sixth race. His other two victories came with trotter Southwind Alice and pacer Regal Fame in the finale.

Hudon was not the only driver to have a big night. Jody Jamieson drove three winners on the card, while Doug McNair and Paul MacDonell also had a pair of victories.

Wagering numbers were strong Thursday night, as a total of C$1,888,590 was wagered on the 11-race card.

Strong pools carried from start to finish over the course of the night. The evening’s seventh race led the way with a win pool exceeding C$53,000 and both the exactor and triactor pools topping C$50,000.

The Pick-5 wager continues to gain momentum, as a total of C$37,413 was wagered into the pool Thursday. The Pick-5 begins each night on the opening race.