by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — Fresh off a victory in the opening round of the Spring Pacing Championship, Golden Receiver and driver Randy Waples returned to victory in the C$60,000 second leg on Saturday evening (March 31) at Woodbine.

New Image Media photo

Randy Waples piloted Golden Receiver to a 1:51.1 victory.

Sent off as the favorite, Golden Receiver used the same tactics as last week as he immediately took command before the opening panel in :25.4. The 7-year-old son of Village Jove then marched past the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.4, before marching home to a 1:51.1 victory. Aracache Hanover (Doug McNair), who enjoyed a pocket trip, finished second with Classic Rock Nroll (Scott Zeron) third.

Trained by Mark Harder, Golden Receiver will look to sweep the series with a victory in the C$125,000 final next week for owners Stable 45, Stephen Springer, Richard Taylor and breeder Nina Simmonds. The brown gelding increased his bankroll to C$837,925 as he celebrated his 43rd career score. He paid $2.90 for the win.

In the second and final division, Melvyn (Luc Ouellette) scored the narrow 2-1 mild upset in 1:49.4, a new lifetime best.

The 4-year-old son of Mannart Howard sat behind fractions of :26.1, :54.3 and 1:21.4, before sprinting home past St Elmo Hero (Scott Zeron) in deep stretch to score the victory. St Elmo Hero stayed for second with Mach Dreamer (Rick Zeron) third.

Melvyn, who finished second in the opening round, increased his lifetime earnings to C$156,550 for trainer and owner Rita Polese. He paid $6.50 for the win.