by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — Ben Wallace is no stranger to conditioning champions.

In 1999, the Milton, Ontario, resident trained the Triple Crown winner, Blissfull Hall, voted Canada’s Horse of the Year, who went on to bank $1,468,648 in lifetime earnings.

The 1999 O’Brien Award recipient for Canada’s top trainer also conditioned the likes of Camotion ($1,778,468), Zooka ($1,207,613) and Totally Western ($433,706), just to name a few.

Recently, Art Professor became Wallace’s top star.

A $210,000 purchase at the 2010 Harrisburg Mixed Sale, Art Professor earned a whopping $402,166 last season for Wallace, including nine victories along with a 1:47.4 lifetime best mark. With career earnings of $578,870, the son of Art Major also finished second in the Molson Pace last year as well as in the Des Smith.

Wallace, who is stabled at Classy Lane Training Centre, hopes that lightening strikes twice as he sends out the recently purchased Audreys Dream and I’m Feelin Good in the second leg of the Willowdale Pacing Series, slated for this Saturday (Jan. 14) at Woodbine.

With just one division, Audreys Dream and I’m Feelin Good will each look to take home the lion’s share of the C$40,000 purse in race six.

New Image Media photo

Audreys Dream has banked $67,916 since entering the Wallace barn.

Audreys Dream, a $65,000 purchase from the 2011 Harrisburg Mixed Sale, has been a welcome addition to Wallace’s barn after a third-place finish in the Cleveland Classic and a runner-up in the $58,800 Valedictory Series final.

The son of Rocknroll Hanover has banked $102,043 lifetime with a recent 1:50 lifetime best taken under the guidance of Wallace.

“He got roughed up a bit last week and we opted to come back again this week, but I think our strategy will be a little different and we’ll race him a little more conservatively,” said Wallace.

His other entrant, I’m Feelin Good, was a private purchase for Wallace before the 2011 Harrisburg Mixed Sale. The son of Mr Feelgood has banked $305,518 lifetime with a 1:49.3 career best.

With Keith Oliver at the controls, I’m Feelin Good finished second in his first leg division last week, only beaten a neck.

“He’s a more handier horse and it looks like he’s responded well,” Wallace said. “He’s a high-profile horse based on his earnings and record, so we’ll see how he pans out,” Wallace said.

The eight-time winner will begin from post one for driver Keith Oliver.

WEG’s communication team recently spoke to Wallace about his Willowdale starters. Wallace also provides an update on Art Professor who will be looking to surface in the coming months. To view the video, click here.