by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, ON — Favorites Crystal Chris and Alexis Hall both prevailed in Thursday night’s (March 13) opening leg of the Damsel Pacing Series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares at Woodbine Racetrack.

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Crystal Chris held off Locamotion Baby in the Damsel Series opener.

Crystal Chris went straight to the front from post five in the opening C$35,000 split and laid down fractions of :27.2, :56.1 and 1:25.3, before sprinting home in :27.3 to win in 1:53.1. Rick Zeron guided the 4-year-old daughter of Dragon Again-Taylor Q to a half-length decision over Locamotion Baby and Lady Mach. The winner returned $3.40.

Richard Lareau trains Crystal Chris who has now won four of her eight starts this season for owner Ned Simmons. The win improved her career bankroll to $79,117.

In the other division, Alexis Hall was making her 2008 debut and scored by a diminishing neck in 1:52.1. The 4-year-old daughter of Cambest-Duncans Artsplace, with Keith Oliver at the controls, made a power move to the lead in the third quarter and then held off an onrushing Apple Delight with Freckly Sara rounding out the top three. Alexis Hall returned $5.10 for the victory.

The Gary Wallace trainee enjoyed an outstanding sophomore season in 2007, winning 13 times and banking $124,401 for owner Liam Wallace.

The Damsel Series continues with round two action next Thursday night (March 20) at Woodbine.