The last time Monticello Raceway staged the Maple Leaf Pace, Stephane Bouchard walked away with the trophy after winning the 2005 event with 15-1 shot Elite Passage in a 2:01:2 clocking.
Bouchard will be back to defend his title on Monday, May 18 in the race specifically for drivers of Canadian descent, which, by the way, will be the fifth leg of the 'Mighty M’s Heritage Drivers Series.
Bouchard will steer Island Faith, tabbed as the morning line favourite from Post 5. Though winless this year, Island Faith was a 1:59:2 winner last fall.
However, Bouchard’s competition this time around appears to be somewhat tougher than it was four years ago. Among the reinsmen Bouchard will have to contend with are Richard Simard and Denis St. Pierre, both of whom have won thousands of races.
Simard has drawn Switch Lanes Mac, a 1:57:1 winner last year at Yonkers, who is yet to get untracked this season, while St Pierre’s charge, Jeffreys Girl, has been a 2:02:1 winner this year.
Also to be contended with is seven-time Monticello Raceway driving champion, John 'Sep' Gilmour who owns 4,458 career driving victories. Gilmour will handle Fly With Action and start from Post 3.
Rounding out the field of Canadian heritage drivers are: Terry Finch (Southwind Scarlet, Post 2); Bruce Borden (Yasmin Hanover, Post 4); Mike Doherty (A And Gs Flirt, Post 7) and Jacques Primeau (Frosty Flake, Post 8).
The Maple Leaf Pace has been carded as Race 9.
(With files from Monticello)