by Nick Salvi, executive director, The Classic Series

Campbellville, ON — Mohawk Racetrack will host the C$1.4 million finals of The Classic Series (TCS) on Saturday night, June 13.

The Trotting Classic (race two) kicks off the Series with a field of seven racing for C$353,710, the purse for each of the four finals. Corleone Kosmos returns to defend his 2008 title in this division and must again face his frequent rival, Arch Madness. Chick N Tell upset the top pair in last week’s third preliminary leg and is in with a chance on Saturday.

A very even field of eight mares comprises the Classic Oaks in the third race. Falls For You has captured two Oaks legs this year and merits respect here. Classic Lane was impressive in her leg three victory and appears comfortable over the Mohawk surface. A timely return to last season’s form would give Bruschette more than a puncher’s chance.

The Classic Distaff (race six) comes next and offers handicappers another well balanced selection of top quality pacing mares from which to select. Darlin’s Delight is the likely favorite but will face a strong challenge from several of her competitors. Tug River Princess returned to the racing wars with an in-hand score in last week’s leg over the Mohawk course. Southwind Tempo is again at the top of her game and her best effort puts her right in the mix.

Ultimately, The Pacing Classic (race nine) may be the most contentious race of the four. The third leg yielded a rousing stretch battle with the gritty Winbak Speed rallying back for the win after Bigtime Ball had put his neck in front for several strides. Bettor Sweet rallied well for third in that one after a freshening and figures to be dead fit for the final.

First post at Mohawk is 7:30 p.m. (EDT) with four divisions of the Burlington stakes on the card as well.