Ten races highlight the season opener at Century Downs on Saturday, March 16 as harness racing returns to Calgary, Alta. for the 2024 meet.

In race seven, the $12,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred headlines the matinee card that kicks off at 12:45 p.m. (MT)

Six distaffers take the gate in the featured division with Miss Itunes making her seasonal debut from the rail. A winner of 23 races and nearly a quarter of a million dollars, the seven-year-old Mystery Chase mare earned $57,920 last year with seven trips to the winner's circle. Her last 10 starts have all been in the money in the Preferred class. Kelly Hoerdt is listed to drive the David Lamont trainee, the richest and fastest mare in the field, for owner Donna Wyse.

Miss Itunes faces five foes including the formidable If Only Id Known from the outside. The six-year-old Shadow Play mare nears $200,000 in career earnings with 17 career triumphs. She has made three starts this season so far with a win, third and fourth-place finish while picking up cheques in his last nine tries. David Kelly is scheduled to drive the Chris Lancaster student for owners Lancaster and Velda Olding. 

Completing the field are Gold Onthehorizon (Phil Giesbrecht) in post two, Outlaw Allie Oops (defending driving champion Brandon Campbell) from post three, Jakarta (Hoerdt also listed) in post four and Goodbye Ceia Later (Mike Hennessy) starts from post five.

The opening card at the Calgary, Alta. oval will feature 948 Brewing Company Ltd. samples, kids' activities and St. Patrick's Day giveaways with Post Time Pete, and live music at The Oaks after the races. The first 100 guests will receive a free program.

Live harness racing at Century Downs will take place every Saturday at 12:45 p.m. through the end of March and then every Friday at 2:15 p.m. and Saturday at 12:45 p.m. through the end of August. There is no racing on Friday, June 14 with racing taking place on Sunday, June 16 at 12:45 p.m., and there is no racing on Saturday, June 29 with racing taking place on Sunday, June 30 at 6:05 p.m. The 2024 meet runs from March 16 through Aug. 31.

To view Saturday’s harness racing entries, click the following links: Saturday Entries – Century Downs // Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).

(Standardbred Canada)