Eight exceptional older pacing mares, including two millionaires, will contest the $189,000 inaugural Forest City Pace on October 17 at Western Fair
Raceway.
The number of entries meant eliminations scheduled for this Saturday at the London, Ontario, track will not be necessary and all eight mares will advance directly to the final.
Locally owned and trained To Helen Back is bound to be a favourite in the event. The six-year-old daughter of Astreos finished a close second to the great mare Southwind Tempo in last weekend’s $375,100 final of the Milton Stakes at Mohawk. Owned by Anne and Mike Shunock and trained by John Pentland, all of Dorchester, Ontario, To Helen Back has $322,555 earned to date this year for $1,116,225 lifetime.
The other millionaire in the field is A And Gs Confusion, a four-year-old Allamerican Native daughter who won the Breeders Crown last year at three and the rich Shes A Great Lady Stake as a rookie. Owned by A And G Stables of New York and trained by Ontario’s Casie Coleman, the mare shows $1,470,150 in earnings to date.
The other starters in the upcoming Forest City Pace are:
Ladycino, a four-year-old Bettors Delight mare owned by trainer Mark Ford, Gerald Stay and Jeff Gillis. She’s earned $310,000 in her career.
Arts Diva, owned by Brian Legge and Dr. David Legge and trained by Shawn Robinson, this four-year-old by Art Major has $429,855 in life earnings to date.
Up Front Bethann, a four-year-old Dragon Again daughter owned by Ed Mullinax of Ohio and trained by Mark Ford with $556,287 taken in so far.
Four Starzz Meliss, the oldest mare in the field, at eight years of age, this Cambest mare owned by Jennifer Lalonde and John Nother and trained by Glenn Lalonde has over $816,000 on her card in life earnings.
Southwind Madonna, a six-year-old mare by Camluck owned by trainer Carl MacArthur and the Talacadac Stable with $825,671 tucked into the bank from her career to date.
Keystone Mystique, also by Camluck, is a four-year-old owned by Glenview Livestock and trained by Paul Taylor who has $186,096 earned in her career.
The draw for the final will take place on October 13.
Family Day on Monday
This Thanksgiving Monday is Family Day at Western Fair Raceway featuring horse drawn wagon rides, wall climbing, face painting and games in addition to live racing. The fun begins at 2:30 p.m. with the races starting at 3:35 p.m.
This month Western Fair features harness racing on Mondays and Tuesdays, 3:35 p.m. post, and Fridays and Saturdays with a 7:05 p.m. start. Free programs and live video of all the action at Western Fair Racetrack, are always available at www.westernfair.com.