Field set for richest Molson Pace

The weather was a coolish 11 C (52 F) but that didn’t impede the action from being hot and heavy in the pair of 2008 Molson Pace eliminations contested at Western Fair Raceway on Friday evening, May 23.

In the first elimination, Zooka was sent first-over by driver Mario Baillargeon at the :55.4 half posted by Fox Valley Tribal with Denis St. Pierre in the bike. At the three-quarter pole Zooka cleared to the lead in 1:23.4 and went on to tie the track record at 1:53, though it would be shattered just one race later.

“He’s a big horse, his owners call him ‘The Giraffe’ and people are always amazed at how well he gets around half-mile tracks,” Baillargeon said in his post-race trackside TV interview. “He was brought up to this race in great shape by (trainer and co-owner) Ben Wallace. He’s really versatile so we’re expecting good things again next week too.”

Just minutes later it was Tigerama that stole the show by turning in the fastest mile in the 47-year modern history of Western Fair. Driver Mark MacDonald made the most of post one by sending the 8-year-old winner of over C$1.5 million through panels of :26.4, :54.2, and 1:23 leading up to his track record performance of 1:50.4.

“He was really strong on the lines even down the stretch,” MacDonald said after the race. “I let him pace on the last turn a little bit and he was as good as ever.”

“That was just typical Tigerama out there tonight,” said Casie Coleman of the marquee aged pacer she conditions for owner Robert Hamather. “I watched the race closely at the paddock turn and I think we can treat him up on a few spots and get him even a slight bit better for next week.”

He just may need to be a bit better. Tigerama has drawn the outside post seven for the 36th Molson Pace which will carry an all-time London single race record of C$280,000.

Here is the field for the May 30 Molson Pace:

1. Silent Swing
2. Grand Bend Turbo
3. Daddy Mac
4. Rare Jewel
5. Action Figure
6. Zooka
7. Tigerama
8. Eagle Luck
AE1: Button Up
AE2: Mr Saratoga

Also on the May 30 card at Western Fair will be the Ontario Sires Stakes 3-year-old filly pace Gold Series final. Following the two eliminations on May 23, the field for the final was drawn:

1. Belka Hanover
2. Chancey Lady
3. Shipps Bikini
4. Call Me Yours
5. A Fiesty Affair
6. Windsong Eva
7. St Lads Seraph
8. Onyx Killean
AE1: Stylish Fit

The first 500 entering Western Fair after 6:30 p.m. on May 30 rendering the program coupon will receive the premium, commemorative limited edition Molson glass as a souvenir of the richest single card in the London track’s history, as the evening’s total purses are expected to approach C$600,000. (Western Fair)

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