from Western Fair Media Relations

London, ON — If the recent Breeders Crown final for open pacing mares was any indication, this year’s Forest City Pace, the highlight of the Fall Meet at The Raceway at Western Fair District, should be memorable.

Eight of the 10 starters in the Crown final are eligible to the Forest City Pace, including the top five finishers, Anndrovette, Chancey Lady, Blissful Smile, Maureen Rocks and Ginger And Fred.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

2011 Breeders Crown champion Anndrovette is eligible to the Forest City Pace.

Anndrovette, who won the Crown final with ease in 1:49.2, geared up for the Forest City with a winning qualifying effort at Harrah’s Chester Thursday morning in 1:53.4.

A 4-year-old daughter of Riverboat King-Easy Miss, Anndrovette has earned $747,112 this year and $1.32 million lifetime for Jeff Bambond and Joseph Davino, who purchased her midway through her 3-year-old season in 2010.

“I don’t think she gets the respect she deserves. I don’t think she’s thrown in a bad race all year. She shows up every week and tries her heart out. She’s been first or second for about the past 10 races. I can’t ask for a nicer horse and she’s just a pleasure to be around,” Davino said after her Crown victory.

Last year’s Forest City champion and reigning Horse of the Year in Canada, Dreamfair Eternal, is also eligible to the Forest City. After a disappointing ninth place finish in the Crown elimination, the winner of $2.27 million lifetime will prep for the race in the Mares Open at Woodbine on Saturday night.

Eliminations for the Forest City will take place on Saturday (Nov. 19) and the C$200,000 (est.) final goes the following Saturday evening (Nov. 26). To see the complete list of nominees for the race, please click here.