Clinton Raceway is staging it's final program of 2008 in a way that's bigger than usual in just about every conceivable way.
On Sunday, Clinton will host the 27th Annual Drivers' Charity Challenge, which has attracted the likes of nationally recognized names such as Jody Jamieson and Mike Saftic.
The field for the $25,000 Ray McLean Memorial will highlight the card with one of the best fields of top level pacers to hit the track in it's 37 year history.
The 14-race card will conclude with the McLean Memorial and there's a strong case to be made for every starter as evidenced by the fact that the morning line setting is in an unusually tight range from 2-1 to just 7-1. With a forecast for very favourable conditions, the 1:54.2 all-age track record set by Coreys On Crombie in 2005 goes on the line as this field faces the gate.
A horse of interest on the undercard is OSS Grassroots three-year-old colt Monster In Law in the 11th race Preferred Pace for a $12,000 purse.
Monster In Law has swept the field in two recent starts at Hanover and Woodstock. Also on the stacked Clinton closing day card is a $15,000 Preferred Trot and an $11,000 Mares Preferred Pace.
The first 500 patrons redeeming a purchased program coupon will receive a premium cap.
Post time at Clinton Raceway on Sunday afternoon is set for 1:30 p.m. with a special performance of precision riding just before the first race.
The Ray McLean Memorial Pace
PP - Horse - Driver - Morning Line
1 - XLB Patrick – Jason Brewer - 5-2
2 - Arts Ragin Jet – Brad Forward - 2-1
3 - Mattscape Seelster – Mike Saftic - 3-1
4 - Berts Casey – Jody Jamieson - 4-1
5 - Coreys On Crombie – Doug McNair - 5-1
6 - Grand Bend Turbo – Mike Sumner - 7-1
7 - Junior K – Ross Battin - 7-2
8 - Button Up – Mike Horner - 6-1
To view Sunday's entries, click here.
(With files from Clinton)