This year’s field for the inaugural Camluck Classic (formerly Molson Pace) is beginning to round into form, and there are a few old and new faces expected for this year’s $150,000 Invitational Pace slated on a new date: Saturday, May 26 at The Raceway at Western Fair District in London, Ont.
Bit Of A Legend N, who captured the signature event last season, will be returning to the half-mile oval for trainer Peter Tritton.
The downunder-bred son of Bettors Delight needs no introduction with over $2 million in career earnings along with 43 trips to the winner's circle. The half-mile specialist is fresh off a second-place finish in the George Morton Levy Final and has yet to miss the board in six appearances this season.
Rockin Ron, who has banked more than $1.2 million in his young career, will return to London for trainer Ron Burke. The son of Real Desire captured a pair of legs in the George Morton Levy Series and is fresh off a 1:50.2 Invitational win at Pocono.
The current track record holder (1:50.3), Evenin Of Pleasure, will once again showcase his talents at The Raceway as his connections accepted an invitation. The son of Dragon Again, who is quickly approaching $1 million in career earnings, is conditioned by Jennifer Bongiorno.
A new face this year is the local horse Easy Lover Hanover for trainer Ben Wallace and owner Brad Grant. The son of Somebeachsomewhere has remained undefeated in nine starts including a Preferred score at Woodbine at Mohawk Park in 1:48.1.
The connections of the fastest horse in Canadian harness racing history have also accepted an invitation. Dr J Hanover brought fans to their feet with a 1:46.4 performance last season in his division of the Graduate at Mohawk. The Tony Alagna trainee captured a trio of legs of the George Morton Levy Series earlier this year and has over $637,836 to his credit along with 16 wins.
Horses confirmed in alphabetical order include:
Bit Of A Legend
Dr J Hanover
Easy Lover Hanover
Evenin Of Pleasure
Rockin Ron
More horses will be announced on Thursday morning during a special edition with PostTimeWithMikeAndMike.Com.
The powerful Camluck Classic undercard will feature the first leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes for sophomore pacing fillies along with a quartet of City of London finals. Total purses for the night will be in excess of $500,000.
As always, there will be lots happening on track that night, including a new VIP Infield Experience, Party On The Patio, Scratch and Win program prizes as well as contest giveaways and swag tosses, the OSS ‘Be A Winner Contest,' food specials and more.
The wagering menu has been bolstered to include a $5,000 guaranteed early Pick-3, $10,000 guaranteed early Pick-4, $15,000 guaranteed late Pick-4 and the addition of a third Super Hi-5 – all low 15 per cent takeout wagers. Post time is 6:55 p.m.
For more information, visit CamluckClassic.com.