One of the most lucrative harness racing purses in the Maritimes this year will be the final of the Barrieau MacIsaac Stake at Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock next Saturday.
Leading up to next week, the eliminations are being held tomorrow in two divisions, each worth $10,000.
New Brunswick has been the host of the prestigious race since its inception, and the eliminations have drawn horses from all three provinces.
First elimination is a sold group of five starters with the morning line favorite DJ Mustang headlines the field.
Marc Campbell will drive the three-year old pacing colt who is a son of Betterthancheddar owned by Brady Doyle and Dan Belliveau. He has over $ 20,000 this year and a mark of 1:54.
Like A King, a New Brunswick owned pacer for Jennifer Ritchie of Kingston, New Brunswick has post position one for driver Paul Langille He has won already over Connell Park Raceway in 1:55.4.
Second elimination is another former New Brunswick Breeders champion as one of two fillies in this division. My Happy Place has a win over Truro Raceway this year in 1:54.3.
Malevolent and Langille comes over the Confederation Bridge and is the even odd morning line favorite and for good reason. He’s seven of eight in the top three finishes and has scored in 1:52.3 over Red Shores Charlottetown.
One Wicked Man, who captured the 2024 Milton Downey stake at Connell Park will have veteran teamster Kenny Arsenault with rail control in this division.
Nuttin But Finesse headlines the afternoon’s top overnight event as the James ” Roach ” MacGregor winner goes in the final race of the day. Mike Downey will drive for his son Mitchell Mark Downey who purchased the horse earlier in August from the U.S.
He captured the MacGregor Memorial in a razor sharp 1:52 flat for Mike Downey. He will have four other rivals in the race and is handicapped with post position five.
Post time at Connell Park Raceway is at 1:00 P.M on Saturday. Wagering is available at tele-theater locations in Saint John, Fredericton and Dieppe, New Brunswick and through the HPI platform or on site.
Horse Racing New Brunswick thanks everyone for taking part in tomorrow’s race card, and you can contact Courtney McKay for race day winning photos.
For complete race entries, click here.
by Scott Waddell, for Horse Racing New Brunswick
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