from Western Fair Raceway

London, ON — Eight exceptional older pacing mares, including two millionaires, will contest the C$189,000 inaugural Forest City Pace on October 17 at Western Fair Raceway.

The number of entries meant eliminations scheduled for this Saturday at the London, Ontario, track will not be necessary and all eight mares will advance directly to the final.

Locally owned and trained To Helen Back is bound to be a favorite in the event. The 6-year-old daughter of Astreos finished a close second to the great mare Southwind Tempo in last weekend’s C$375,100 final of the Milton Stakes at Mohawk. Owned by Anne and Mike Shunock and trained by John Pentland, To Helen Back has $286,592 earned to date this year for $1,009,381 lifetime.

The other millionaire in the field is A And G’sconfusion, a 4-year-old Allamerican Native daughter who won the Breeders Crown last year at three and the rich She’s A Great Lady Stake as a rookie. Owned by A And G Stables and trained by Casie Coleman, the mare shows $1,455,072 in earnings to date.

The other starters in the upcoming Forest City Pace are:

• Ladycino, a 4-year-old Bettor’s Delight mare owned by trainer Mark Ford, Gerald Stay and Jeff Gillis. She’s earned $298,451 in her career.
• Arts Diva, owned by Brian Legge and Dr. David Legge and trained by Shawn Robinson. This 4-year-old by Art Major has $418,627 in life earnings to date.
• Up Front Bethann, a 4-year-old Dragon Again daughter owned by Ed Mullinax and trained by Mark Ford, with $555,762 taken in so far.
• Four Starzz Meliss is the oldest mare in the field at eight years of age. This Cambest mare, owned by Jennifer Lalonde and John Nother and trained by Glenn Lalonde, has $756,666 on her card in life earnings.
• Southwind Madonna, a 6-year-old mare by Camluck, owned by trainer Carl MacArthur and the Talacadac Stable, has $782,715 tucked into the bank from her career to date.
• Keystone Mystique, also by Camluck, is a 4-year-old owned by Glenview Livestock and trained by Paul Taylor who has $175,905 earned in her career.

The draw for the final will take place on October 13.