by Kyle Fitzgerald, for Colonial Downs

New Kent, VA — Katherine Ann Smith’s Tom Bruce took charge of the Colonial Downs Trot late closing series with a powerful front stepping score in the second leg on Monday night (September 24) at Colonial Downs.

Tom Bruce was overlooked at 8-1 odds despite a solid second place finish behind Rompaway Yum Yum in the first leg last week.

For the second straight week, Tom Bruce was very quick off the gate for driver Wilbur Yoder and was able to take command through reasonable early fractions. Tom Bruce led Belle Of The Ball by 1-1/4 lengths through an opening quarter in :28 and a half in :57.2.

Tom Bruce continued to lead Belle Of The Ball on a merry chase around the turn as Idadazzle moved first-over with Rompaway Yum Yum on his heels to establish striking position on the leaders for the stretch drive.

Tom Bruce turned for home after the three-quarters in 1:26.2 with a 1-1/4 length lead over Belle Of The Ball and looming threats from Idadazzle and Rompaway Yum Yum materializing on the outside.

All four contenders finished well but Tom Bruce had too much left in the tank for his rivals, extending out to a comfortable 1-3/4 length victory over Belle Of The Ball. Rompaway Yum Yum finished fastest of all to get third, but her rally fell 3-1/2 lengths short in the end.

Tom Bruce trotted the mile in 1:55.3.

Monday’s win was Tom Bruce’s 25th from 133 lifetime starts. The 9-year-old Overcomer gelding now has a win and a second since joining trainer Roland Dunavant’s barn.

The Colonial Downs Trot Final will be contested at a 1-1/4 mile distance on Monday, October 1.