Sudbury Downs has announced the inception of the Greater Sudbury Invitational Pace, which will feature the largest purse ever paid out for a single Invitational race at the Chelmsford half-miler

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Director of Racing Brent Powell has selected the field for Wednesday’s $60,000 event, which will include Sudbury track record holder Deuces And Jacks. The five-year-old Million Dollar Cam-Fit N Fast gelding, who lowered his own track record to 1:54.1 in a Not Listed Preferred Pace on August 8, will start from Post 5 with part owner Paul MacLean driving for trainer France MacLean. Despite his record, Deuces And Jacks has been appraised at odds of 12-1 as he faces a series of Sudbury newcomers.

Leaving from Post 2 with Dan Clements in the bike, WEG circuit regular Raw Energy has will attempt to steal the spotlight as the 2-1 favourite for trainer Marty Fine. The five-year-old Astreos-F Fifteen gelding lowered his mark to 1:49.4 in a conditioner on July 25 at Mohawk over a track rated 'good'.

With the luck of the draw on his side, Donegal Gerald will leave from the rail for driver Tony Kerwood and trainer Dave Matson. The 5-2 second choice has earned top honours in Preferred events all across Ontario during his five-year-old season.

Cam Fella Pacing Series champion Anderlecht will team with Canada’s leading driver Jody Jamieson and start from Post 7 in the eight-horse affair. The Igor Vrablic pupil is rated at 4-1 in the morning line.

Making his first start back in Ontario since finishing third in Charlottetown Driving Park’s Gold Cup & Saucer on August 22, Secret Weapon has been assigned odds of 8-1 and will have to overcome an outside Post 8 start for teamster Doug McNair and trainer Wayne Prescator.

Here is a look at the complete field:

$60,000 Greater Sudbury Invitational Pace
PP – Driver – Morning Line
1. Donegal Gerald – Tony Kerwood - 5-2
2. Raw Energy – Dan Clements - 2-1
3. Lyons Geoff - Scott Coulter - 3-1
4. Space Walk – Jay Harris - 10-1
5. Deuces And Jacks –Paul MacLean - 12-1
6. Grand Bend Turbo - Reg Gassien - 6-1
7. Anderlecht – Jody Jamieson - 4-1
8. Secret Weapon - Doug McNair - 8-1

Wednesday’s 12-race program will also feature a $15,000 Preferred Pace with early favouritism assigned to Rush Rules (PP4, Jody Jamieson) and Beach Boy Toy (PP8, Reg Gassien).

Post time for Wednesday is set for 7:15 p.m. with the feature race scheduled for Race 7 (9:03 p.m.).

To view Wednesday’s harness racing entries, click here.

(With files from the Sudbury Star)