by Kyle Fitzgerald, for Colonial Downs

New Kent, VA — Rompaway Yum Yum closed powerfully down Colonial Downs’ 1300-foot stretch to win the opening leg of the Colonial Downs Trot late closing series by 3-1/4 lengths over Tom Bruce on Monday night, September 17.

Tom Bruce was very quick off the gate and was able to clear the field from post nine to claim the early lead, trotting an opening quarter in :28.1 while Rompaway Yum Yum settled into fifth down the backside for trainer-driver Don Harmon.

Winbak Flame cleared Tom Bruce to take the lead near the end of the backstretch, but Tom Bruce and driver Wilbur Yoder were intent on the front end and were able to re-claim the lead before the turn and click off a half in :57.1.

Rompaway Yum Yum found cover behind Belle Of The Ball around the turn and eased into striking position, moving from fifth to third around the bend as Winbak Flame tired along the rail.

Rompaway Yum Yum edged ahead of Tom Bruce as they passed the three-quarter pole in 1:26.4. Tom Bruce battled back gamely along the rail, but Rompaway Yum Yum steadily increased her margin in the final furlong to stop the clock in 1:56.2. Tom Bruce held for second, a half-length ahead of a late closing Henrytheeigthiam.

The win was Rompaway Yum Yum’s seventh from 15 starts this season for Harmon and co-owner Rompaway Farms. The 4-year-old Rompaway Butch mare also established a new lifetime mark.