All but one of the eight starters have been confirmed for this year’s $150,000 Camluck Classic, presented by Seelster Farms, which is slated for next Friday, May 31 at The Raceway at Western Fair District.

Canadian half-mile-track record holder Linedrive Hanover and two-time Borgata Series champion Hellabalou will headline the star studded field in this year’s edition. Linedrive Hanover set the 1:49 national mark when he captured the 2022 Charles Juravinski Memorial Cup at Flamboro Downs and he owns a career record of 1:47 taken last season at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Hellabalou, who hails from the powerful Ron Burke Stable, won his second Borgata title on April 22 with 1:50.2 victory, bumping his career bankroll to well over $1.4 million.

Local stars Whichwaytothebeach and Poseidon Seelster are both returning to the Camluck Classic in sharp form while newcomer Dragononthebeach, who has turned heads as a new recruit to the David Menary Stable, will make his debut in London’s signature race. Also competing for the first time is New York invader Rocknroll Runa A, who was a 13-time winner in 2023 and a two-time winner in Borgata Series action this year. Former O’Brien Award winning driver Mark MacDonald will return to Ontario to pilot the half-mile specialist.

Competing for the third time will be the classy $1.7 million winner American History, who is a Breeders Crown champion and owner of a speedy 1:47 record taken at The Meadowlands. The veteran charged home in :25.1 in his most recent outing and was individually timed in 1:49.4. The final starter in this year’s field will be announced this weekend.

“We are so pleased to attract world class horses of this calibre to London, it’s a big treat for the local racing fans,” said The Raceway’s Director of Equine Programming, Greg Blanchard. “Putting the obvious talent aside, this is also a very competitive, well-balanced group. We certainly appreciate the connections who have supported the race by bringing these amazing animals here.”

The Camluck Classic post position draw will take place Monday, May 27 and air on the Raceway’s pre-game show at 5:30 p.m.

Some of the sport’s top pacing mares will also be in the spotlight in the $50,000 Forest City Pace, which is headlined by Canada’s Pacing Queen and defending champion So Much More. The eight-year-old mare boasts an incredible resume that includes 71 wins, more than $1.6 million in earnings and multiple O’Brien Award trophies. Other confirmed starters include Margaret Juravinski Memorial winner Talk Curdy To Me, last year’s third-place finisher Gias Surreal and top local mare Cheesy Smile.

The stacked undercard will also feature the return of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Series with divisions for three-year-old colt pacers, a quartet of City of London Series finals, the London Classic Yearling Sale Trot and, new this year, the Bulldog Hanover Preferred Pace. In total, more than $400,000 in purses will be up for grabs.

First post for the program will be 5:50 p.m. and the Camluck Classic has been moved up in the program this year, to be carded as Race 10.

The Top Of The Fair dining room is sold out but fans on-track will be able to enjoy the action on the first level, which will be open that evening, and at The Raceway Lounge on the second floor. Outside, the ‘Party On The Patio’ features live entertainment with local artists Connor Morand and Kristen Renee, food trucks, local craft beers (including the specialty Bulldog Brew and Camluck Classic Lager) and much more. The Ontario Sires Stakes team will be on hand celebrating their 50th anniversary with giveaways and contests. Fans will also have a chance to get a limited edition Bulldog Hanover ball cap and Camluck Classic t-shirts.

“The Camluck Classic event is a great way to kick off summer in London and we look forward to welcoming everyone that night,” said Amy O’Toole, Manager of Equine Programming. “We will offer a tremendous race card with plenty of great wagering opportunities plus lots of food and beverage offerings and fabulous entertainment too. There is something for everyone that night.”

The wagering menu on Camluck Classic night will feature a pair of $15,000 guaranteed pool Pick-5s, two $7,500 guaranteed pool Pick-4s and an additional Super Hi-5 wager on the Camluck Classic – all are low 15 per cent takeout wagers. HPIBet will offer special cashback promotions as well to those wagering on the program.

For those who can’t make it to the track, announcer Sugar Doyle and guest analyst Mike Pribozie will take simulcast fans through the full card, which will be available in HD on The Raceway’s YouTube channel. COSA TV will be on hand with a live five-race broadcast. Mark McKelvie, Robert Reid Jr. and Jaimi MacDonald will host the show, which will air on the COSA TV Facebook and YouTube channels, as well as the Standardbred Canada website, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

For complete details on the Camluck Classic night program, visit camluckclassic.ca.

(Western Fair District)