The Kin Pace annually marks the beginning of the rich stakes season in Ontario. The stakes action gets underway this Sunday (June 27) at Clinton Raceway with the eliminations for the $50,000 Kin Pace.
The Kin Pace pays homage to the early days of Clinton Raceway, when the Kinsmen and Kinette Club introduced pari-mutuel wagering to the grassroots track in 1970. The Kin Pace is open to to Ontario-sired three-year-old pacing fillies, and has proved to be a key stepping stone for many top mares in the sport.
Sixty-six three-year-old filly pacers were nominated to this year's event, and after the entry box closed on Wednesday (June 23), 18 remained to battle for a spot in the Kin Pace.
The first of three eliminations is carded as race five on the Sunday program. Morning line favourite A Better Game was impressive in her latest with a 1:52.3 score over Woodbine Mohawk Park. A Better Game lines up against five talented rivals, including Sweet Pink, who captured an Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots event at Clinton Raceway last season.
The second elimination (race eight) provides a great deal of half-mile experience, including morning line favourite Saulsbrook Olympia. The Big Jim filly is undefeated through two starts this year and posted a lifetime best of 1:55.3 at Grand River Raceway. Local talent Havartiwon steps up to the big leagues after going gate-to-wire in 1:58.3 at Clinton this past Sunday.
In the third and final elimination (race 10), Sports Duchess will look to show the ability that landed her in the winner circle's last season in OSS Grassroots action at Clinton Raceway. Driver Doug McNair will look to capture his fourth Kin Pace title, and driver Jody Jamieson will attempt to go back to back.
The Kin Pace elimination undercard also features two Ontario Prospect Series events for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings, scheduled as races six and 12. The 12-race card kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and features two $2,000 guaranteed wagers in the form of the Pick-5 (races 1-5) and Pick-4 (races 9-12). Free programs and high-definition live stream are available at clintonraceway.com.
Clinton Raceway to Offer Advanced Wagering
Advanced wagering will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. A live teller and self-serve machine will be available for horseplayers under the Clinton Raceway tent to the right of the main parking lot. Free programs will also be available. COVID-19 restrictions will be in effect.
To view Sunday's complete entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries – Clinton Raceway.
(Clinton Raceway)