by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — A pair of C$15,000 divisions of the second round of the Blizzard Series highlighted the Friday evening (Jan. 24) program at Woodbine. Rock N Roll Xample and Murrayfield provided victories in their respective divisions.

In the first split, Rock N Roll Xample and Randy Waples got under the wire first in 1:56.2.

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Rock N Roll Xample won the first division in a time of 1:56.2.

The daughter of Rocknroll Hanover laid parked on the outside at the opening quarter in :28.1, before clearing to the front and allowing post time favorite Miss Poppycock (Chris Christoforou) to brush to command in the second quarter. Miss Poppycock would continue to lead past the half in :58 with Stonebridge Classy (Phil Hudon) parked on the outside.

Rock N Roll Xample would continue to enjoy a pocket trip through three-quarters in 1:26.3, before making her move down the stretch. Miss Poppycock was still in command turning for home, but in deep stretch the talented mare began to drift off the rail allowing Rock N Roll Xample a clear passing lane.

Rock N Roll Xample continued her ground-saving trip and edged by her rival to win by 1-3/4 lengths. My Victorino (Roger Mayotte) came from off the pace to finish third.

Trained by Shawn Robinson for owner/breeder Robert Hamather, Rock N Roll Xample enjoyed her third career victory and a new lifetime best. Her career earnings now sit at C$16,340. She paid $10.10 to win.

After finishing second by a neck in last week’s first leg of the series, even-money favorite Murrayfield and Keith Oliver went gate-to-wire in 1:55.1 to take the second division.

The daughter of Jereme’s Jet led through panels of :28.4, :57.4 and 1:26.2 before fending off a challenge from pocket sitter Lyonsaura (Randy Waples) to win by 1-1/4 lengths. Lyonsaura finished second, with Winbak Ella (Sylvain Filion) third.

Trained by Murray Brethour for owner/breeder Dr. Huw Llewellyn, Murrayfield enjoyed her fifth career victory as her bankroll climbed to C$50,860. She paid $4.10 to win.

The Blizzard Series is for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares who were non-winners of two races or C$20,000 lifetime as of Nov. 30, 2013. The C$30,000 (added) final is scheduled for Friday (Jan. 31).