Gilles Barrieau has a legitimate shot at claiming the dash-winning derby heading into the final program of the season at Fredericton Raceway
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Barrieau, a resident of Saint John, has the call on the morning line favourite in the feature race on the 10-dash card. Slim N Sleek looks for back-to-back wins at the local oval, and has drawn Post 4 in the five-horse field.
Slim N Sleek's victory last week marked her fourth in her past five starts. The four-year-old Cammibest mare is owned by Maurice Allain of Memramcook. She took a lifetime record of 1:57.1 at the Charlottetown Driving Park during Old Home Week action in Prince Edward Island.
Barrieau enjoys a one-win edge over Stephen Trites atop the drivers’ standings. Trites, who has 27 victories at Fredericton this season, is scheduled to drive seven starters on the program.
Todd Trites, who is four wins back of top spot, will not be part of the equation on Thursday. He is committed to drive Abby Best in the $14,434 championship of the Erwin Andrew Memorial Series in Charlottetown. Trites will finish the Fredericton season with 24 victories.
In the ninth race feature, Eric Lakes’ mare Nicoles Baby will be making the jump to top class competition. The seven-year-old daughter of Hunterstown is coming off an impressive win in 2:00 last week. Others included in the feature are Freedom Isnt Free (PP1, Mike Downey), Dusty Lane Ely (PP2, Lonny Stokes) and Doctor Decimeter (PP3, TBA).
Click here to view the harness racing entries for Thursday at Fredericton.
(With files from Horse Racing New Brunswick)