Exhibition Park powerhouses renew rivalry

Saturday afternoon at Exhibition Park Raceway in Saint John will see the two pacers who have the season’s mark at the half-mile track rekindle their rivalry as Blood Money and Little Manny will square off again in the day’s top-class.

Both horses have tallied a season best of 1:56.3 this year, and will have another top notch entry to contend with in Woodmere Ideal Art. Last time the three met head on, it was Woodmere Ideal Art who came out on top after the rockdust had settled.

Last week, Blood Money proved that he can overcome the outside post as he came from last at the half to win the week’s top-class in 1:57.1 a week ago. Dr. Mitch Downey will again be forced with the outside post based on money earned in the last five outings.

Woodmere Ideal Art will have catch-driver Todd Trites in the bike for the Ultimate Stable of Greater Lakeburn, N.B from post-four. Little Manny, who was off last week, will have post-three for owners Dean & Brad McLaughlin, Stephen Trites and Mark Taylor. Stephen Trites will navigate the four-year-old Maritime bred.

Rounding out the field will be Ultimatelyhandsome, the second entry from the Ultimate Stable for veteran teamster Robert Laffin, while K D Overdrive and Kyle Mason will round out the field with the coveted rail position.

In other news, Kurtis Johnston heads the top handicappers into this week’s challenge of the Summer Handicapping contest presented by Horse Racing New Brunswick. Top ten at the end of July, will battle for top honours for the rest of the season at E.P.R with lots of cash on the line.

Blood Money has retaken top spot in the Autumn Gold Series that will see horsemen get an opportunity to race for some big purses in the fall. All the latest standings are available by simply clicking on http://www.horseracingnb.com

by Scott Waddell, for Exhibition Park