"To be honest when you get in this kind of company and if any of them get a real break, they can all win. We're taking nothing for granted here."
Trainer Ben Wallace has won his share of major stakes in harness racing but on Sunday he can add the Des Smith Classic Pace to his already impressive resume. The morning line odds maker at Rideau Carleton Raceway has listed Wallace's pupil Art Professor (Jody Jamieson – Post 1) as the 2-1 favourite in Sunday's 10-horse tilt, going for a purse of $177,750. The son of Art Major was a best-of-the-rest runner-up in the $300,000 Molson Pace on May 27. That performance lifted the pacer’s bankroll over $400,000.
"The luck of the draw hasn't always been on his side, but certainly he overcame it at London and put in two pretty credible performances," Wallace told Trot Radio's Norm Borg. "I think he got a little post position relief [at Rideau] which he'll appreciate I'm sure."
Wallace and Borg discuss the most serious contenders in Sunday's 30th edition of the Des Smith Classic. Wallace also offers his thoughts on Bettors Green's chances in his Somebeachsomewhere division on Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack as well as an update on the Upper Canada Cup elimination winner Royal Will before reflecting on a career in which he's on the cusp of surpassing $30 million in lifetime earnings.
"I remember thinking if I could just pay for my car and have a respectable apartment, I would have accomplished all I thought I could have," offered Wallace. "I've been very fortunate in the industry, I've been surrounded by tremendous people and that's really the answer for any young trainer or old trainer alike. You have to be surrounded by decent people and good owners and people that back you through tough times."
The full interview with Ben Wallace is available below.
Episode 201 – Trainer Ben Wallace
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
Please note that the opinions expressed in the featured interview are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect Rideau Carleton Raceway and/or Standardbred Canada.