It's not every day that the richest purse event on a Canadian summer Saturday takes place at Exhibition Park Raceway in New Brunswick, but that was case for the Saint John half-mile oval on August 8, 2020.
The 2020 edition of the Barrieau McIsaac Stakes, named in honour of Rufin Barrieau & Francis McIsaac, drew a full field of nine starters all seeking the the Maritimes' largest purse event for three-year-olds.
Favoured Tobins Rebel was positioned forwardly early in the $40,000 event by driver Gilles Barrieau, and the duo flashed some swift early speed with opening panels of :27.4 and :56.4. Little Manny (Stephen Trites) was the only contender close to the public choice as he reached the third station in a taxing 1:26.4. Barrieau asked his charge for more turning for home, and the colt responded. Little Manny tried to take a run at the leader in the stretch but Tobins Rebel had enough to fend off the challenger and hit the wire in 1:56.4. Little Manny was a solid second with Red Dirt Star (Mark Haig) best of the rest in third.
Never worse than second in 14 lifetime starts, Tobins Rebel (Camystic - Eggs Panedict) picked up his 10th career win for earnings of $64,795 for trainer-driver Barrieau and owner Daniel Ross of Belfast, P.E.I.
Bugger Max went back-to-back in the $1,500 Winners Over Pace, converting off a pocket trip to score in 1:58.3. Trained by Gordon White, who co-owns with Dale Orr, 10-year-old Bugger Max (Believeinbruiser - Spurs Galley) picked up career win no. 28 in the process, with the winner's share of the purse lifting his bankroll over the $126,000 mark.
To view the results for Saturday's card of harness racing at Exhibition Park, click the following link: Saturday Results - Exhibition Park Raceway.