Top Harness Racing during the Classic Series
The Classic Series is a harness racing series that takes place in four stages. There are three preliminary legs to the series, and to be eligible for the finals in the Classic Series participating horses must race in at least two of the preliminary rounds. The four main races consist of the Classic Distaff, Classic Oaks, Pacing Classic and the Trotting Classic. On Monday, the 7th of April, the first round of the fifteen race program will kick off the Classic Series, with the second leg being hosted by the Mohawk Racetrack on 31 May 2008, whilst the third leg will be held at Meadowlands on the 19th of July 2008, and the $250 000 finals of the Classic Series will take place at Meadowlands on the 26th of July 2008.
The Pacing Classic has eight contenders on the cards for the 2008 Classic Series. This magnificent racing event has a purse of $85 000 and will see Western Ace, Big Business, Mr Feelgood, Casimir Camotion, 2007 Breeders Crown winner Artistic Fella, Manhardt, Total Truth and Watta Hotshot competing. Winners of the Pacing Classic for the last ten years are Boulder Creek (2005-2007), Eaton Road Kill (2004), Ashlee’s Big Guy (2003), Life Source (2002), Riverboat King (2001), Big Tom (2000), Noble Ability (1999), Pacific Fella (1998) and Final Cheers (1997).
There will be eleven top class mares competing in the $85 000 Classic Distaff, which include Ideal Weather, Captive Island, Spring Break, Artcotic, Stylish Solution, My Little Dragon, Western Graduate, Southwind Tempo (only $2000 away from reaching career earnings of $1 million), Elusive Prey, Benear and supplemental entrant, Enhance the Night. The winner will join the ranks of previous winners such as Moving Pictures (2007), Eternal Camnation (2003-2004) and Galleria (1999-2000).
The Trotting Classic will be one of the nail-biting racing events of the series, as Vivid Photo, winner of the Trotting Classic in 2006 and 2007, will once again be in the line-up and striving to win this event for the third consecutive year. Other horses that will be leaving the post include Instant Photo, CR Dream Catcher, American Lane, Enough Talk, JM Vangogh (2004 winner), San Remo Kosmos, A Gentleman, Green Day and Flamewalker.
In the Classic Oaks, another defending champion will be setting her sights on a second win. Buck I St Pat, 2007 Winner, will be in the starting line-up with Speed N The Tunnel, Lavec Dream, Caress The Senses, Snazzy Millie, Queen Serene, Freeze Frame, Up Front Hotsey and Brigham Dream.
The Classic Series is guaranteed to be one of the most thrilling racing events on the harness racing calendar. With spectacular racing programs and outstanding horses participating, it is most certainly a series that should not be missed.
