by Greg Blanchard, WEG media

Toronto, ON — Slimsplace and Pebble Creek were both off-the-pace winners in Thursday night’s (Feb. 4) second leg of the Miss Vera Bars Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies at Woodbine Racetrack.

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Slimsplace was a 1:54.2 winner for Randy Waples in the Miss Vera Bars opener.

Slimsplace watched Cams Cupid do most of the front-end road work in the opening C$20,000 contest and then rallied in the stretch for driver Randy Waples to haul down race favorite A Pippin Hanover, who was closing on the inside and nipped Cams Cupid for the place spot. The daughter of Artsplace-She’s Beachy scored in 1:54.2 and kicked back $4.90 as the second choice in the wagering.

Slimsplace now has an opportunity to sweep this year’s series after winning last week in round one in 1:57. Thursday’s win was her fourth lifetime for trainer Jeff Gillis who co-owns along with Ellen Ott.

In the second split, heavily favored Pebble Creek sat last throughout much of the mile in the seven-horse field and, despite a quickening final half pace, she swept past rivals for driver Mike Saftic to win in 1:55.2. The Mistress finished in the runner-up spot with pacesetting Kim’s Quest holding on for third.

The daughter of Modern Art-Hayser Creek has now won three of four starts this season for trainer Barry Bird who co-owns along with Debbie Bird. She returned a popular $3.40 for the victory.

The C$60,000 final of the Miss Vera Bars Pacing Series will go postward next Thursday night (Feb. 11) at Woodbine.