The best older pacing mares in the sport will descend on The Raceway at The Western Fair District this Saturday night for the $200,000 Forest City Pace Final.
Local favourites Modern Cinderella and Misty Moonstone will start right beside each other from Post 2 and Post 3, respectively, in the star-studded field.
The latter will not be hard to pick out as the lone grey in the field, and if anyone has a home field advantage, it just might be the daughter of Astreos. With nine career wins over the London oval to her credit, no one in the group has had more success at the venue.
“She really does seem to pick up her game on this track,” explained trainer-driver Peter Core of the winner of $350,000 in career purse earnings. “If she was facing this same group at one of the big tracks like Woodbine or Mohawk she would be totally overmatched, but on this track I think she can go with them and be a competitor.”
And a competitor she is, despite her endearing disposition around the barn.
“'Misty' is an absolute sweetheart around the barn, maybe the nicest I’ve been around,” Core explained. “It’s hard not to get attached to a horse like this because she gives you all she’s got on the track and she’s really blossomed into a gritty performer as she’s gotten older.”
Misty Moonstone has drawn Post 3 in Saturday night’s final, and Core realizes she faces a daunting task, which includes trying to knock off a three-horse Ron Burke-trained juggernaut led by the 7-5 morning-line choice, Rocklamation.
“Realistically, beating these mares looks like a huge reach but I’m hopeful that I can get good early position and there’s some pace in the race. If that happens, I’m confident that my mare can follow along with them and get a big share.”
First post on Saturday night is 7:05 p.m. and there is a lot planned that evening at the WFD.
Three lucky fans will take home a Western Fair District wrist watch (valued at $100 each), plus there will be giveaways for both WFD and Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club packages throughout the night. There will also be a special edition of ‘Deal Or No Deal’ and ‘Live’ Entertainment in the new Annex Lounge.
On the wagering side, the late pick-4, which includes the Forest City Pace, will offer a $5,000 guaranteed minimum pool. Top driving stars Scott Zeron, Jody Jamieson, Randy Waples and Brett Miller will be in town competing in several races during the 12-race card.
Fans can visit the Forest City Pace contest on Facebook to vote for who they think will win and have a chance at a New Year’s Eve Prize Package at The Western Fair District.
To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at the WFD, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Western Fair District.
(WFD)