After two eliminations for the 2022 Kin Pace, a stellar field of eight Ontario-sired three-year-old fillies have emerged to battle for the lion’s share of $50,500 on Sunday (July 3) at Clinton Raceway.
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 has proved to be a key steppingstone for some of the top mares in the sport, including O’Brien Award winning mare, So Much More who finished second in the 2019 edition.
The connections of each finalist shared their thoughts ahead of Sunday’s rich final:
1. Creme Delight (J. Harris, M. Brethour, 3-1)
“Underrated mare, closed up great last week. She will be driven aggressive and expect a top two finish.”- Driver J Harris
2. Raptors Won (L. Roy, N. Gallucci, 9-5)
“I was very happy with Raptors Won’s elimination race. It was a great bounce back start for her. She was muscle sore after her last race at Mohawk, so I think that explained her poor performance that night. I was happy with the draw and I’m sure she will get away in a good position off the gate.” - Trainer Nick Gallucci
3. Warrawee Xpat (B. MacDonald, G. Sasso, 4-1)
“Raced good last week off a slow first half. She's a very versatile filly who has a great attitude and goes into the final sharp so that should help for sure. “- Driver Brett MacDonald
4. Lyons Princess (A. Haughan, A. Beaton, 6-1)
“Really handy filly who tries hard, hopefully can work out a good trip from a good starting spot.”- Driver Anthony Haughan
5. Velvet Stinger (J. MacDonald, N. Gallucci, 7-5, pictured above)
“Velvet Stinger raced fantastic in her elimination; she was a little bit lost as it was her first time on the lead in a race. But James said as soon as he popped the plugs and she heard the horse on the outside, she kicked into the high speed that we have become accustomed to seeing from her in the last quarter of her races. We are all very excited about Sunday and hope we can get some racing luck.” - Trainer Nick Gallucci
“She raced super last week, the first time she’s ever cut a mile and had all kinds left. Very versatile little filly.”- Driver James MacDonald
6. Watch Her Fly (Tra. Henry, C. Barss, 12-1)
“She got a little out of gear last week in the last turn or I was going to be a good third. Craig told me he was going to tighten things up this week. Hopefully she can get a good trip.”- Driver Travis Henry
7. Ribbon Ridge (T. Borth, B. Sinclair, 10-1)
“Raced well last week, post position seven is very tough, but you know what they say, anything can happen in a horse race.” - Driver Tyler Borth
8. Sexy Playmate (Trev. Henry, K. Bossence, 8-1)
“Nice filly, she raced awesome at western fair in the City of London Final. She was off a month before her last start and should be a lot sharper this week with a good starting spot.” - Driver Trevor Henry
The richest day on Clinton Raceway’s calendar will offer almost $150,000 in purses. Sunday’s stakes-filled race card kicks off at 1:30 p.m., with two-year-old trotting colts competing in Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions in Races 3, 5, 8 and the $50,500 Kin Pace Final carded as Race 10.
To view the entries for Sunday's card of harness racing at Clinton, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Clinton Raceway
(Clinton Raceway)