When the field of eight lined up for the inaugural Camluck Classic this Saturday, May 26 at The Raceway at Western Fair District, trainer Peter Tritton is hoping a new tradition kicks off right where it ended.
His star-studded pacer Bit Of A Legend N captured the final edition of the Molson Pace last season before the signature event was renamed the Camluck Classic.
Tritton, who resides in Pine Bush NY, will once again make the trip north of the border with the classy nine-year-old.
“He’s coming into the race really well," Tritton said. "We’ll keep the same routine as we did last year, because it worked out so well. Canada has been good to use and we’re happy to return. The plan is to stay for the week then head to Northfield for the Battle Of Lake Erie.”
The son of Bettors Delight is no stranger to half-mile track racing. In fact, from 65 starts on North American soil, the nine-year-old has raced six times outside a half-mile oval.
The winner of over $2.1 million has been a regular fixture at Yonkers Raceway over the past few seasons. Last year alone, Bit Of A Legend captured signature half-mile track events such as the Molson Pace, Joe Gerrity Memorial and Bobby Quillen, with $547,070 in seasonal earnings.
“I would say pound-for-pound he’s the best half-mile track horse in North America," Tritton said. "I think we have the best horse in the race and Jordan [Stratton] thinks he’s better right now than last year, which is quite amazing, really.”
Tritton admits post position plays a major role in the outcome of the race on the half and is satisfied with beginning from the trailing tier.
“I’m happy with the draw," he said. "Obviously you don’t want the outside on a half and I’m content starting from the second tier. I could be an interesting start into the first turn with a lot of speed so I’m happy to be inside.
“He’s a special horse, that’s for sure. He paces the turns so well and doesn’t lose any ground. Jordan [Stratton] has done a great job looking after him and we’ve been rewarded.”
Driver Jordan Stratton will once again make the trip to Canada. The young reinsman has driven the superstar pacer in all but one pari-mutual start on North American soil.
“Jordan is his regular pilot and drives all of my horses,” Tritton said. “We have a great relationship and he looks after my horses very well. You have to pick your spots at the top level especially at Yonkers and he’s done a great job of doing that. We’re very fortunate.”
Below is the complete field in post position order:
1 Sunfire Blue Chip – Trevor Henry
2 Isitfridayyet – Alfie Carroll
3 Killer Martini – Scott Coulter
4 Rockin Ron – Louis Roy
5 Easy Lover Hanover – Doug McNair
6 Evenin Of Pleasure – Joe Bongiorno
7 Dr J Hanover – James MacDonald
8 Bit Of A Legend – Jordan Stratton
More than $500,000 in purses will be offered up on the 12-race program which will get underway at 6:55 p.m. A powerful undercard which includes a pair of Ontario Sires Stakes Gold divisions for three-year-old pacing fillies along with a quartet of City of London Series finals will also be contested that night.
(With files from The Raceway at Western Fair District)