It's one of the biggest harness racing events, this year, in western Canada! The annual 'Mid Summer Classic Day' program will be featured this coming Sunday afternoon, at Century Downs, with the $70,000 Brad Gunn and Ralph Klein Stake Finals headlining the card. Following is an in-depth preview of both rich stake races, along with full card selections, plus thoughts on the $15,000 Guaranteed Pool PICK 4 running in Races 8 thru 11.
Race 10 - $70,000 Brad Gunn Final (3YO C & G)
#3 OUTLAW TURN N BURN (JF Gagne) A great post position to work with for the morning line favourite here. Was the easiest of any winner last Saturday, off a perfect pocket trip by Gagne, using a 27.4 final quarter to cruise to a 1:55 life best. It's very tough to go against this colt son of Blue Burner on his current form. Put him on top!
#2 BLUE STAR JET (Mike Hennessy) He's the biggest early speed threat and he gets an inside post to use to his full advantage. Watch for Hennessy to light him up early and have him sticking around late. This JET is an Exactor factor.
#1 APPELLATE (Keith Clark) This son of Western Terror went a big trip in his latest. Clark says he likes the improvement this colt is showing of late. He's a must play for a top 3 finish.
#4 ITS EDS IDEA (Serge Masse) A winner of his Elim - he made front so easy last time out and rolled along uncontested for quite a ways. That won't happen here.
#6 WRANGLER CASH (Kelly Hoerdt) Is more than capable of grabbing a share here. Any kind of trip at all and he'll be right in the hunt with these.
#8 BLUE STAR MAVERICK (Brandon Campbell) Draws the outside post, but does get the catch-driver Campbell. He'll be looking for a hot pace to chase.
#7 DUKE IT OUT (Dave Kelly) Was a little flat last time off a covered up trip. In need of his 'A' game to get a serious piece of this pie.
#5 MAKE IT BIG (Rene Goulet) Will likely race for a minor share here, but then again you can't win it if your not in it.
Race 12 - $70,000 Ralph Klein Final (3YO Fillies)
#1 MONSTROUS (Ed Hensley) Had a troubled beginning last time, off the trailing post, but now she gets her nose on gate - plus she gets the rail - for the Final. If she can keep it all together in the early going and remain close throughout - I believe she's the one to beat here for Hensley @ 3/1. Watch for another 'monster' effort!
#2 OUTLAWSURSHOTSHARK (Travis Cullen) Already a 10-time winner, in 2016, this Smart Shark miss has never missed the top 3, in any of her 16 career starts, for Cullen or former trainer/driver Connie Kolthammer. She's a must play!
#8 DIVAS DRAGONFLY (Jamie Gray) Won her Elim, but was placed last for interference. Only here because the connections appealed that ruling, but she's worth a look - even with the outside post.
#3 SENGA NAPTHA (Ryan Grundy) Was never better than she was last time out - coming from last to circle up wide in the late going to get the win on a placing. Trying not to be as far back this time.
#6 JET BLUE BURNER (Ron Cullen) One to think about if she behaves. She had her Elim race won, last time, but could not stay pacing on the final turn.
#5 BRIGHTEN YOUR LIFE (Kelly Hoerdt) She's always in the hunt, but she'll have to show a lot more speed, in this one, to grab a major share.
#7 SOMEWHERE A PLACE (Serge Masse) A tough post to overcome, but she has showed very nice speed in her young career for Masse.
#4 CENALTA ARTISTRY (Rene Goulet) A longshot player just looking for a trip with these. Maybe use her for the 4th spot on the Superfecta.
Sugar's Selections (*Full Card)
R1 - 6 1 3
R2 - 3 6 5
R3 - 5 4 6
R4 - 2 7 6
R5 - 1 2 4
R6 - 2 4 5
R7 - 5 2 4
R8 - 1 3 4
R9 - 2 1 4
R10 - 3 2 1
R11 - 1 5 3
R12 - 1 2 8
Sugar's PICK 4 thoughts (*$15,000 Guaranteed Pool) - $120 Total @ $1 Ticket
R8 - 1 3 4
R9 - 1 2 4 9
R10 - 2 3
R11 - 1 3 4 5 6
Post time, for the 12-dash card, is set for this Sunday afternoon at 1:10 PM... Best of luck to all and I will see you there!