Boasting a new format and lucrative purse offerings, the 22nd edition of the Honourable Earl Rowe Memorial Cup has attracted a strong field of 16 and will headline Saturday evening's card of racing at Georgian Downs.
New in 2008, the Earl Rowe will be contested in divisions, seeded by seasonal purse earnings. A field of nine will headline the $84,500 Gold Division, while seven trotting prospects will duke-it-out in the $43,500 Silver Division.
The locally-trained Armbro Chronicle has drawn the rail in the senior division and will take part in Saturday's classic as the likely favourite.
Owned by Kent Baker, Wayne Smith and Randy Fielder of Coldwater, along with Cal Patterson of Wasaga Beach, Armbro Chronicle is in the midst of a career season. The six-year-old Self Possessed gelding has earned $227,246 in 2008, reeling off a pair of Open victories on the WEG circuit and snagging the coveted Frank Ryan Memorial at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
But, a host of trotting talent will look to deny the recent Breeders Crown starter.
Defending champion JM Vangogh, Masters Series champ Adam T, WEG Open winners Starsel, Chick N Tell and Abbey Road C, along with Mystical Ryan, Mr Tasty and Think Gold, will all look to upset the local favourite.
The Honourable Earl Rowe Memorial Cup Silver Division has been slotted as Race 9 on the Saturday card, while the headlining Gold Division will take place one race later.
First race post time is 7:25 p.m.
Click here to view the entries.