With the Canadian Pacing Derby just around the corner, some of the nation's trainers and drivers have reflected on harness racing's best aged pacing performers they've ever seen in this week's edition of Standardbred Canada's video features.
This year's field for the Canadian Pacing Derby could include two contenders that many consider to be among the all-time best in the sport. Heavyweight Foiled Again and the blossoming four-year-old Betterthancheddar, who recently hooked up in a thrilling Des Smith Classic stretch duel to be separated by just a whisker at the wire, will look to knock heads again amongst a field full of talent. Saturday's stakes elimination card at Mohawk Racetrack will include a single $50,000 elimination featuring 10 of this year's top aged pacers looking to secure a spot in the $787,000 Canadian Pacing Derby. The top eight finishers in the elimination will advance to the Saturday, Sept. 1 final with Foiled Again and Golden Receiver, advancing with byes.
"Foiled Again is the best aged pacer I've seen in a long time," said driver Luc Ouellette. "He is so tough, it's unbelievable to see week in and week out what that horse can do. I've seen faster horses, but as far as toughness [goes], he's unbelievable."
"He doesn't have to take his racetrack with him," said trainer Brent MacGrath of the current pacing standout. "He can go over a half, he can go over a mile, he can go over seven-eighths. Whatever the track is, whatever the conditions are as long as the money is there and he gets any kind of trip at all, and he doesn't need a trip most nights."
"You know what, watching Betterthancheddar right now, he's got a great career ahead of him too being only four," noted trainer Travis Umphrey. "He's been very impressive this year."
Among the top ranked stars that Canadian horsemen quickly recalled was Gallo Blue Chip, who is the richest pacer of all-time with more than $4.29 million banked in purses. Foiled Again is closing in on that record though and could raise the bar with a victory in the Derby. Other popular picks were Hall of Famers Cam Fella and Mister Big, and the "Grey Gladiator" Admirals Express. Who is the best aged pacer you've seen?
Not a pacer, but a real tough
Not a pacer, but a real tough old trotter I remember from the seventies was Cabonga Saunders. He was still racing at 14, and was actually claimed that year.
The Toughest and Greatest
The Toughest and Greatest Category : Horse- Admirals Express !!!! Human- Terry Fox !!!
Cardigan Bay or Rambling
Cardigan Bay or Rambling Willie for all you young bucks.Today I would say Golden Receiver
The annual staging of The
The annual staging of The Canadian Pacing Derby renews what is undoubtedly the sport's oldest tradition in this Country . The race was first held some 76 years ago back in 1936 at the small Waterloo County Town of New Hamburg Ont. . For the next 22 years it served as one of the sport's most coveted prizes up for annual competition . Each year in mid August on a Thursday afternoon, thousands of spectators jammed Fountain Park to take in the action as the best the sport could offer faced the starter in search of victory .From an initial purse of $1275, it eventually rose to $5000 ,a sizable sum in those days .In 1957 it was phased out as the sport and the world embraced vast changes . In 1965, after an 8 year absence it was revived and once again held at Greenwood Raceway in Toronto,won that year by Jerry Hal . Hats Off to those hardy pioneers who saw fit to establish and build such a great race .It is difficult to believe that horses now travel the mile distance 20 seconds faster than in those days long ago .May the tradition continue ....
I'm going back in years to
I'm going back in years to Greenwood. SILVER NIB LEE was a trotter, and would put together win streaks of 2-3 at various times. Wm. Stirton was the driver, and owner as well, although it was a long time ago. The colder it was at GR., the better he liked it.
He was a grey also, and I have come to the conclusion that grey horses win more as their color intimidates other horses in the race. Harness or flats, the result is the same.You can watch it on TV just about any time, and it works well with large purses.
By the way, what happened to the pure white horse that was on these pages a couple of months ago??
Cam Fella was a great horse
Cam Fella was a great horse to watch, smooth like Gretzky but based on longevity and what the horse went through and he did not have the best gait but you could see he had a huge heart, Admirals Express would need to be in the top 2. Many horses for these big miles of 148.2 and under sit the pocket or get great cover off of fast fractions. Admiral set his own fractions for huge miles, just watch this race and you have to shake your head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0wFANPgzhs
He was pushed his third Q in 27.2 and was passed by 1/2 a length then you could see is horrible gait but big heart kick in and he comes home in 26.3 to win handily. Wow. 17 Open victories in one year!!!
Foiled Again is the best aged
Foiled Again is the best aged pacer if Gingras is on the bike.