by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, ON — It was a good night for the favorites in Sunday night’s (April 8) opening leg of the Tie Silk Trotting Series for 3-year-olds at Woodbine.

The event, which is open to horses who were non-winners of C$30,000 in 2006, drew a pair of C$18,000 divisions.

In the opening split, Rose Run Invader was patiently handled by driver Keith Oliver, who had the trotter sitting back in fifth for much of the mile. The pair was on the move in the third quarter and were up to third on the outside as the field turned for home.

Rose Run Invader easily reeled in the pacesetting Sos Breezer and widened out to 1-1/2 lengths at the finish in 1:59.1. Sos Breezer salvaged the place spot while Javaris came on late between horses to pick up the show spot. Rose Run Invader returned $3.80 to win.

The victory was the third this season in nine starts for the son of Armbro Laser-Centergy, who is trained by Ron Randall. He co-owns the trotter along with Linda Randall of Berlin Center, Ohio.

In the second split in race six, favorite Hallo was forced to work for the victory. The son of Angus Hall-Armbro Mckeown, driven by Mario Baillargeon, attempted to make a move to the front after a :29.1 first quarter but was given the cold shoulder by the pacesetting Ucaneverspenditall.

Baillargeon was able to tuck Hallo into second and give him a breather in the third quarter. He followed the leader until halfway through the stretch, before being brought to the outside where he was easily able to surge past for the 1:59.4 tally. Ucaneverspenditall managed to hold second over Ernie B Ernest, who landed the show spot.

Trained by Rene Laarman for owners Mel Hartman of Ottawa and Charles Armstrong of Brampton, Hallo broke his maiden with Sunday night’s win. He returned $5.50 for the victory.

The Tie Silk Series will continue with round two going next Sunday night, April 15, at Woodbine.