A highly competitive field has answered the call for invitation trotters to do battle in the Legends Day feature Sunday, August 23 at Clinton Raceway. Any one of the eight entries has the gusto to prevail in the $20,000 showcase
event with its all-star cast of drivers.
The morning line has given the early nod to Logan Aas. The five-year-old Muscles Yankee gelding was just beat a nose his last start at Grand River in 1:57.3. The Ted MacDonnell-trained winner of over $183,000 has Jim Doherty to drive and the rail position.
Twin B Excalibur has been tussling with the bearcats south of the border in Hazel Park’s invitational and he’ll roll into town at opening odds of 5-1. Ray Remmen will handle the Randy Fulmer-trained gelding from the two hole.
Also at 5-1 is Meadowview Matty, trained and co-owned by Brad Shakes of Collingwood, Ont. Bud Fritz will be driving. The talented five-year-old son of Angus Hall knows his way around a half-mile oval, as shown by his 1:55.1 mark taken over Flamboro Downs.
Bill O’Donnell will steer Dan Creighton’s Start Livin, a recent winner of Grand River’s preferred in 1:57.3. The Striking Sahbra four-year-old will also open up at 5-1.
The sport’s all time winningest driver, John Campbell, will be hoping things roll his way with New Dice Please. The Andy Hardy-trained Donerail veteran has shown he’s one to be reckoned with over a double lap oval, and he’s rated at 6-1.
Loose Change Louie will leave from the seven hole for Ron Waples and starts off at 7-1. The San Pellegrino winner of $460,000 is just off a three-month vacation, but trainer and co-owner Mike Robblee will no doubt have him ready to rumble for the big event.
Clint Galbraith has the three hole with No Bananas, a winner of over $328,000. The Kim Matthews co-owned and trained gelding trotted the challenging Woodstock oval in 2:00.1 a few weeks ago and will open at 8-1.
Doug Brown has drawn the Richard Griffiths-trained Fa Mulan, the lone mare in the race. An outside post has her at 9-1 initial odds, but the four-year-old distaff warrior has the gate speed to leave for position and was an easy winner over Hanover Raceway last month in 1:59.2.
The Legends Day main event is the ninth of 13 races and will go to post at 3:46 p.m.
Those entering the 'Hook Up With a Legend' contest are reminded to get their handicapping done early, because names will be drawn at 12:30 p.m. sharp and choices must be made immediately. A free program is now available at clintonraceway.com.
Online entries are still being accepted for the contest which will see one lucky person win $1,000 based on the outcome of the legends race. The box closes, however, at midnight, Saturday, August 22.
This year’s Legends Day, with a 1:30 p.m. first post, is stacking up as a tremendous afternoon of racing and colourful entertainment. Latest addition to the line-up of special attractions is the participation of Chester Downs track announcer James Witherite. The Philadelphia area resident will sing 'O Canada' and call the first two races on the card, while regular announcer Frank Salive signs posters with the rest of the legends.
Capping off the one-of- a-kind day of good times and warm memories will be a catered country-style roast beef dinner in the tent beside the grandstand. Tickets are $20, with proceeds to the Clinton Hospital.
Click here to view the harness racing entries for Sunday at Clinton.
(With files from Clinton)