With the 2010-11 spring meet whittling away at Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino, a couple of stakes finals created an abundance of excitement this past weekend

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There was a three-horse photo finish in Sunday’s $15,000 Marian Young Stakes for three-year-old fillies that saw Oil Town Emelia (Jim Burke) nose out Savemethelastdance (Serge Masse) with a late-charging Baja Beach (Keith Clark) a neck back in third. Final time was 1:58.2. Marian Young herself – long-time owner and track historian – was joined by husband/trainer Bill in the winner’s circle and the celebration really heated up with a surprise visit from Joe and Karen Hudon.

Joe Hudon was one of the on-track originals dating back to the opening of Cloverdale Raceway in 1976. Even though he moved to the Ontario circuit several years ago, fans and well-wishers at The Downs provided him Sunday with a star status welcome.

The winner’s circle Saturday was filled with family and friends of the late owner/driver/trainer Wendell Smith when Theseyesrcrying won the $22,500 Wendell Smith Memorial for three-year-old B.C.-owned colts and geldings. With an expert drive by veteran Serge Masse, Theseyesrcrying kicked into high gear around the final turn to win his fifth out of 10 starts this year for co-owners Masse and Jim Vinnell. The final time was 1:55.2.

Only two Friday/Saturday/Sunday weekends remain on the spring schedule at Fraser Downs, with closing night on Friday, April 15. The 2010 Harness Racing BC Standardbred Industry Awards Banquet will be held on Monday, April 11 at Newlands Golf and Country Club. Call (604) 574-5558 for further information.

(Fraser Downs)