by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — Maplelea turned in a solid final quarter to take the first leg of the Miss Vera Bars Series on Thursday night (Feb. 5) at Woodbine.

Just nine 3-year-old pacing fillies entered the first leg of the three-week series, meaning just one $13,770 division was necessary.

New Image Media photo

Rick Zeron drove Maplelea to a 1:56.3 score in the opening round of the Miss Vera Bars Series.

The first leg saw plenty of action early, as the longest shot on the board, Weekly Special, sprinted out to the lead, but was quickly overtaken by Happy Ending Gal by the opening quarter.

Happy Ending Gal’s stablemate, Franney Love Dat, came first up in the second quarter and eventually cleared just past the midway point. The heavy 2-5 favorite, Nippy W Hanover, was moved to the outside just before the half and would be left first up around the final turn.

Franney Love Dat held a narrow advantage over Nippy W Hanover at the three-quarter pole in 1:27.3. In the stretch, it appeared it would be a battle between the top two, but Maplelea, who was on the outside without cover and more than five lengths off the lead, came charging in the stretch and blew by the leaders to win by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:56.3. Nippy W Hanover was able to push by and finish second just ahead of Franney Love Dat.

Driven by Rick Zeron, Maplelea paced a :28 final quarter to get up for her second career victory. The 3-year-old daughter of Sportswriter was winless from three starts last year and now has two wins from three starts in 2015. Maplelea is owned and trained by Andrew Moore. Her career earnings are now at $17,257 and the clocking of 1:56.3 was a new career best. She paid $13.20 to win.

In order to be eligible for the series, the 3-year-old fillies had to be non-winners of three races or C$40,000 lifetime as of Oct. 31, 2014.

The second leg of the Miss Vera Bars Series will take place next Thursday (Feb. 12).

Live racing continues Friday night at Woodbine. Post time is 7:25 p.m.