by Greg Blanchard, WEG media

Toronto, ON — A strong winning favorite and a big upset headlined Sunday’s (Jan. 3) first leg of the Lifetime Dream Trotting Series for 4-year-old mares on another cold, blustery afternoon at Woodbine Racetrack.

New Image Media photo

Margarita Mary and Rick Zeron were 1:57 winners in the opening leg of the Lifetime Dream Series.

In the opening C$25,000 contest, Margarita Mary seized control in the first quarter and then cruised to a very impressive 1:57 victory for trainer/driver Rick Zeron.

The daughter of Andover Hall-Pacific Photo held pocket-sitting Selfish Princess at bay by a length with a :28.4 final quarter through a very strong headwind in the homestretch. It was far back to longshot Paycheck Lavec who rounded out the top three.

Margarita Mary kicked back a popular $2.40 for the win. The strapping filly, making her first start of the new year, enjoyed a very productive 3-year-old campaign with eight wins from 18 starts and $123,812 in earnings for owners Alton Lynch, Jr. and Steve Elliott.

Queen Creek took advantage of a perfect trip in the second division to upset rivals for driver Mark MacDonald in 1:58.1. The daughter of Elk Creek-Dart Queen sat third throughout much of the mile and inherited the pocket on the final turn when race favorite Gabby’s Gambol made a break in stride when tipping out from second.

At that point, MacDonald brought his charge wide and she easily got past pacesetting Kandor Hanover for the win with longshot Another Vixen rounding out the top three. The winner returned a whopping $52.70 for the win.

Queen Creek was a five-time winner last season in 22 starts for trainer Harry Zeron, Jr. and owner Sandra Beback. Today’s win bumped her career earnings to just over $75,000.

The Lifetime Dream Trotting Series will continue next Sunday afternoon (Jan. 10) at Woodbine.