Kin Pace elimination fields set

The 14th edition of Clinton Raceway’s major harness racing stake, the Kin Pace, gets underway this Sunday (June 26th) with two eliminations for the $50,000 final.

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 plays host to Ontario Sired three-year-old pacing fillies, and has proved to be a key stepping stone for many top mares in the sport. 

Two talented groups of 3 year old filly pacers will line up behind the gate in two $7,500 eliminations with the hope of securing a spot in the rich final. Nick Gallucci, 2021 O’Brien Award finalist for Trainer of the Year, sends out a powerful one-two punch in the form of Raptors Won (Big Jim) and Velvet Stinger (Bettors Delight). Raptors Won will look to continue her stakes winning ways after winning an Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots division at The Raceway at Western Fair District on May 27, with a time of 1:54.4. Her stablemate, Velvet Stinger also displayed stellar half-mile track ability by capturing an Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots division in 1:55.1. Velvet Stinger and Raptors Won will line up from post position 3 and 1 in their respective eliminations. 

Driver Brett MacDonald is looking for back to back winners in the prestigious Kin Pace, after capturing the previous edition with Saulsbrook Olympia for trainer Brian Lee. MacDonald will pilot Warrawee Xpat (Sportswriter), who sports career earnings of $63,000 in this year’s event. Warrawee Xpat competed in the top 2 year old event for Ontario sired filly pacers last year, the $145,060 Battle of the Belles and finished 3rd. The Gabriella Sasso trainee will need to show her top speed against a challenging group in the first elimination. Driver Trevor Henry hopes to be the first driver in the history of the event to capture four Kin Pace titles. Henry will team up with fellow Arthur native Kyle Bossence, in the second elimination on Shadow Play filly, Sexy Playmate. 

The Kin Pace Final day will offer a fantastic day for all ages. Younger fans can enjoy a great Kid’s Day line up. Bouncy castles, cotton candy, popcorn, face painting and balloon animals are available for kids to enjoy! In addition to the rich Kin Pace Final Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions also come to the Huron County oval for 2 year old colt and gelding trotters on July 3rd. Post time for this Sunday’s elimination racecard is 1:30 PM. For all the details and events this season at Clinton Raceway, visit www.clintonraceway.com.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tony Elliott, for Clinton Raceway