Fresh off his victory in the Cecil Ladner Memorial series, All Turain will look to win one of New Brunswick's most coveted races on Canada Day.
In line to Brodie MacPhee, All Turain has drawn post three in the Walter Dale Memorial Pace, set for Tuesday at Fredericton Raceway. The race carries with it a $5,000 purse.
Owned by Lee & Trevor Hicken of Prince Edward Island, All Turain had reeled off ten straight wins dating back to last year. He tasted defeat only once this year to another Walter Dale starter, Art Of Illusion, who will bust the gate from post five for owner David MacDonald and driver Todd Trites.
Stare Down will leave from post one for driver Mike Downey and owner Dr. Mitchell Downey. J Rs Hurricane leaves from post two for owner Jean Belliveau and driver Lonny Stokes. Modern Xhibit will have young Dale Spence on board from post four for Jonah Moase.
Bo Sowers ships in with two starters. Along with Art Of Illusion, Terem Up Louie will have the outside post six and Bo is listed to drive the pacer.
Before the main event, a fan favourite horse for the last couple of years at Exhibition Park Raceway and Fredericton Raceway will race for the last time in his career.
Dusty Lane Oscar, winner of 53 races lifetime, over $50,000 in career earnings and a mark of 1:57 makes one last start for owner/driver Chris Davies.
Known for his antics in the winner's circle and literally bowing at fans as he is being cheered on, 'Oscar' will race in the eighth race of the afternoon and has drawn post position two.
He has hit the board on three occasions this season in just six outings. Owner Chris Davies says that 'Oscar' holds a special place in his heart. "This is the last horse that Dad and I owned together," said Chris. John Davies still comes out to watch the horse race and always has good advice for his son.
After acquiring the pacer from Moncton's Rob Tait, Davies quickly found out that he is a creature of habit. "He has a couple habits on the track. Turning before he goes to the gate you have to turn him inside out or he will stand up straight on his hind legs, and in the winner's circle he loves to stand up and bow to the fans."
Davies also says he knew it was time to give the horse a well deserved retirement and he will come full circle, going to Rob Tait once again to enjoy the rest after a storied racing career.
Chris also says that 'Oscar' helped him make a name for himself when he decided to give the Maine circuit a try. "'Oscar' traveled all through Maine with me and helped me make a name down there. Hes a real pleasure to drive and gives his heart everytime he swings."
To say that Dusty Lane Oscar has a few fans is really an understatement. Chris along with his sister Joanne and their Dad make up Team Davies, but many friends and family have joined in as they follow one of their favourite horses. Davies and company wear the colour orange and Oscar will be decked out in his colours on Tuesday afternoon.
When horses retire it can be a sad day for the owners and fans but over the years 'Oscar' has given people many thrills, and one thing is for sure: every time he gets behind the wings he knows it's time to go to work and gives his all.
In all, 12 races are carded for the Canada Day program that also features the latest leg of the handicapping challenge. Post time for race one is 2 p.m.
To view the entries for Fredericton, click the following link: Fredericton Raceway - Tuesday Entries
(with files from HRNB)