London, ON — Hellabalou turned in a brilliant wire-to-wire victory in Friday night’s C$150,000 Camluck Classic Invitational Pace, presented by Seelster Farms, giving trainer Ron Burke a record fifth win in London’s signature race. His previous wins had some with Won The West, Foiled Again (twice) and Rockin Ron. It was the third victory in the event for driver Louis Phillippe Roy.

Hellabalou gave trainer Ron Burke his fifth victory in the Camluck Classic on Friday. Claus Andersen Photo.

The six-year-old son of Sweet Lou – Majestic Blue Chip took full advantage of his post-one starting spot and jetted to command quickly as Blue Hunt also left sharply, leaving Linedrive Hanover parked three-wide from post six. In the meantime, Poseidon Seelster (Bob McClure) had protected his position behind Hellabalou and got away in the pocket after the dust had settled in the opening eighth.

Blue Hunt (Travis Cullen) was the first to move out of third following a sharp first quarter of :26.4 with Linedrive Hanover (James MacDonald) moving out to follow his cover. Hellabalou was able to grab a second-quarter breather, putting up the half in :56. Roy then let his pacer roll in a :27.3 third quarter, stopping the timer at that post in 1:23.3. As Blue Hunt began to tire, Linedrive Hanover shot up three-wide, setting the stage for a final quarter showdown.

In the stretch, the late challenger could only get to the wheel of the winner who remained strong to the wire, winning by almost a full length in 1:51.1. Linedrive Hanover fell just short in second while Poseidon held on for the show spot. Sent off as the bettor’s choice in the wagering, Hellabalou returned $3.80 to win.

The victory was the just the second of the season for the pacer who had captured the $626,000 Borgata Series Final earlier this Spring at Yonkers Raceway. It vaulted his career bankroll to more than $1.5 million for the Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Eric Good and Lawrence Karr.

SO MUCH MORE GOES BACK TO BACK IN FOREST CITY PACE

Canada’s pacing queen, So Much More (MacDonald), electrified the London crowd on Friday night as she captured her second consecutive $50,000 Forest City Pace title for driver James MacDonald.

The eight-year-old Big Jim lass worked out a second over trip and used a sweeping move in the third quarter. Once on the front, she paced away from her competition in the stretch to win by more than two lengths in 1:53. Margaret Juravinski Memorial winner Talk Curdy To Me (Roy) finished second with Gias Surreal landing the show spot.

So Much More was making her 72nd career trip to the winner’s circle and is now closing in on C$1.7 million in career earnings for trainer Don Beatson who co-owns along with Kenneth Beatson and Cole England.

One of the largest crowds in recent memory was on hand with on-track handle up 17% over the 2023 total.

The Camluck Classic program concludes the Spring racing season. Live action will return to the London oval in October.