Sure Please ($2.60) did not disappoint his backers on Sunday afternoon (May 20) at Clinton Raceway, controlling every step of a 1:59.1 mile en route to victory in the opening-day feature, the $5,000 Rick Forgie Memorial Pace.

The seven-year-old Million Dollar Cam gelding worked to clear Jackstan (Tyler Moore) after a first-turn duel, and driver Ryan Holliday rated comfortable early splits of :29.4 and 1:00.4 before a first-over challenge from Monster In Law (Colin Kelly) emerged up the far side. Duelling leaders Sure Please and Monster In Law gained separation from the gapping Jackstan through a :29.3 third quarter, and Sure Please rose to the challenge of Monster In Law — who worked to within half a length a quarter form home — on the final turn. Sure Please kept Monster In Law 1-1/2 lengths at bay, while Acefortyfourtalon (Natasha Day) stayed on for third from a second-over journey.

Sure Please in the Clinton winner's circle, along with friends and family of the late Rick Forgie

Dave Holliday trains 10-time winner Sure Please for Caroline Holliday, Dennis Hannath, and Peter Emann.

Family and friends of the late Rick Forgie, who passed away suddenly in April of this year, gathered in the winner's circle to honour the long time Ontario trainer and driver.

Handle for the 10-race opening day card just surpassed the $39,500 mark, one of the best in recent years. Central Huron Secondary Schools' Day at the Races trackside fundraiser was able to raise over $2,000 for their mental health initiatives at the Clinton area high school.

Live racing resumes at the Huron County oval Sunday, May 27 with a post time of 1:30 p.m. Visit www.clintonraceway.com for complete season details.

To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Clinton Raceway.

(with files from Clinton Raceway)