Following last year’s record-setting performance by Artistic Fella, the 2009 Ben Franklin Pace has attracted many of racing’s top older pacers for this weekend’s eliminations at Harrah’s Chester Racetrack

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A set of $50,000 eliminations are set for Sunday, July 19, with the rich final slated for Sunday, July 26. Post time for both programs is 1:15 p.m.

The first elimination features the 2008 Meadowlands Pace winner, Art Official, while two-time Older Pacer of the Year Mister Big headlines the second elimination.

Last year, Joseph Alborano’s Artistic Fella, with Tim Tetrick in the bike, smashed the World Record when he toured the oval in 1:48 - the fastest ever on a five-eighths mile oval.

"The Ben Franklin has quickly established itself as one of the premier events in harness racing," said Barry Brown, Director of Racing Operations for Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack. "It attracts some of the nation's top horses and drivers, and this year will be no exception."

"The Ben Franklin unofficially kicks off the height of high-stakes racing here at Harrah's Chester,” he added. “It makes for an exciting run-up to Super Stakes Sunday on August 16, where over $2.2 million in purses will be awarded before a jam-packed September with races like the $575,000 Valley Victory, the $475,000 Three Diamonds and the $650,000 Governor's Cup."

Here are the fields for Sunday’s elims:

Ben Franklin – Elim #1
1. Won The West
2. Winbak Speed
3. Western Shore
4. Lookout Hanover
5. Art Official
6. Frog Juice

Ben Franklin – Elim #2
1. Mister Big
2. Bettor Sweet
3. Blueridge Western
4. Noble Falcon
5. Dali
6. Shadow Play
7. Foiled Again

(Harrah’s Chester Racetrack)